A New Media Outlet for Minnesota Golden Gopher Coverage Emerges

For years in the Twin Cities, KFAN has billed itself as "your sports leader."  We'll see if that holds true now that there's a little competition.

KSTP (AM 1500) has long been a player in the Twin Cities market, focusing mainly on general talk radio.  Staring on Feb. 15, the station went to an all-sports format. It's obvious that their intention is take to on KFAN, we shall see if the new guys have what it takes to take down the big boys.

While KFAN bills itself as a sportstalk station, that's only half true.  From 6 a.m. until noon, they talk almost exclusively about sports, mainly focusing their efforts on the Minnesota Vikings.  It makes sense, as they are the Vikings flagship station and the Vikings are undoubtedly the biggest draw in town. 

After noon, KFAN still talks about sports, but that's hardly the focus.  You're just as likely to hear political talk as you are anything remotely related to sports. You'll get a decent dose of Vikings talk during the season. Still, the "other sports" in town are largely ignored.

That figures to change now that KSTP has gone to an all-sports format.  KSTP currently holds the rights to the Minnesota Twins, so you can figure there will be heavy Twins coverage, both now and once the season gets underway.

Surprisingly, KSTP has also taken the initiative in giving a fair amount of coverage to the University of Minnesota, specifically the football team.  KSTP has hung its afternoon hat on host (and Star Tribune columnist) Patrick Reusse.  Reusse has long made the Gophers football team the butt of his jokes, but to be fair, their performances have made them an easy target.

Reusse had a well-publicized feud with Gopher coach Tim Brewster, basically starting the day Brewster was hired.  It surprised many (myself included) when the first guest on Reusse's inaugural show was none other than Coach Brewster.  Brewster and Reusse had a mostly civil conversation and even talked a little football. 

Refreshing to hear football talk that didn't focus on Brett Favre this time of year.

It remains to be seen how long KSTP and the University of Minnesota Athletic Department can "play nice" but so far, they are off to a nice start. 

KSTP has made no bones about the fact that they're going after listeners that KFAN has largely ignored.  While KFAN has struggled to retain listeners and advertisers, they've had to lay off some of the on-air talent that helped them grow.

Much like the Kansas City Chiefs gladly accepted some of the New England Patriots "castoffs", former KFAN employees Joe Anderson and Darren "Doogie" Wolfson have re-appeared over at KSTP.

Both Anderson and Wolfson can bring a perspective to Twin Cities sports that is now lacking at KFAN.  The Vikings won't be ignored at KSTP, but they won't be the only game in town either.

It remains to be seen if KSTP's new format will work.  A successful season by the Twins will most certainly give AM1500 a much needed boost.  From there, it could be anyone's ballgame for sportstalk ratings in the Twin Cities.