Two northern Minnesota radio stations, both in the MPR system, are getting federal help to switch to digital high-definition radio broadcasting.

Democratic 8th District Rep. Jim Oberstar reports that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will award WIRC in Ely $64,956 and KITF in International Falls $67,476 for the digital transition.

Because the change to high-def is said to improve the listening experience, do these appropriations qualify as “ear-marks?”

And will the pledge drives be shorter?