I’m a little late on this, since KFAN-AM threw the switch Sunday, but the station has added a signal at 103.7FM to its signature 1130AM frequency.
Although FM signals are typically more lucrative in the radio business, operations manager Gregg Swedberg isn’t really hyping the move. KFAN’s sports junkies have complained about not getting the AM signal in “big steel buildings.”
“It’s not a regular-strength signal, not 100,000 watts,” Swedberg says. “It’ll help people who work in the Cities, inside the 494/694 ring, and it’s better the closer you get to downtown” Minneapolis.
Swedberg notes the signal “isn’t great” in outlying areas, partly because it competes with St. Cloud’s “The Loon,” also on 103.7, and stations in Bemidji and western Wisconsin.
Still, for fans who can’t or won’t listen to KFAN on their computers, 103.7 is another option, and perhaps a small bump for listenership in the stick-and-ball battle with 1500 ESPN. KFAN’s numbers are about to balloon with the Vikings season getting under way; the station has the football team’s radio rights.
KFAN is also on 100.3 as HD channel 3.
David, Dan “Common Man” Cole mentioned today that KFAN 103.7 is no more because of competition with a 103.7 signal from St. Cloud. Sounds like the FCC stepped in. Any word if KFAN will switch to a new FM signal?