Here's the release — my analysis to follow:

It was announced today that radio station KSTP-AM will be changing format as of Monday February 15.   

KSTP, known as “The Talk Station” for the past twenty plus years will become “AM1500 The Sportstalk Station” on Monday.  This will be an interim step toward a long-term partnership with ESPN radio and the debut of a new sports talk radio station, “1500 ESPN Twin Cities.” 

The station has a long history with sports programming and will be building its new programming line-up around well-known local sports personality Patrick Reusse, his long-time SportsTalk partner, Joe Soucheray, and the Minnesota Twins.  A partnership with ESPN radio will give the new radio station national access and credibility. 

“Patrick Reusse and Joe Soucheray invented SportsTalk in the Twin Cities”, commented President/General Manager, Ginny Morris, “and ESPN is the number one sports brand in the world.  Combine that with our partnership with MinnesotaTwins baseball and we will have a very entertaining and credible sports talk radio station.” 

Sean Breen, Senior Vice President, Affiliate Sales, ESPN Media Networks said, “We are pleased to welcome Hubbard Broadcasting and KSTP as an ESPN Radio affiliate. Hubbard's passion to serve the sports fan mirrors ESPN company-wide vision and we look forward to serving the Twin Cities.”