92KQRS Rebrands, Shifts Music to 90's Rock & MN Musicians
| RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, April 3, 2025 |
|
 KQRS-FM in Minneapolis |
In a shift from its Classic Rock heritage, KQRS-FM in Minneapolis unveiled a new musical and branding strategy Thursday, aiming to capture a broader, younger audience with a heavy dose of '90s rock icons and Minnesota's own legendary musicians. The station kicked off its redefined sound with the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," signaling a new era in its storied history.
Starting at 6am, 92KQRS introduced "Gorman in the Morning With Fletcher and Ryder," featuring Steve Gorman, the syndicated radio personality and founding member of the Black Crowes. Gorman's excitement was palpable as he discussed the revamped programming: "After a few years living in the Twin Cities, the enormous legacy of 92KQRS couldn't be clearer to me. The most respectful way to honor that legacy is to move forward with great energy. Our spotlight on the music that matters to Minnesota will be evident from day one. I'm very excited about where we're going, and I hope you'll join us."
The new music lineup at KQRS now includes '90s giants like Nirvana, R.E.M., and Green Day, alongside rock legends such as Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones. More importantly, the station is increasing its commitment to Minnesota's rich musical heritage by featuring local icons like Prince, Soul Asylum, The Replacements, and Bob Dylan.
Adding to the fresh sound are Twin Cities radio veterans Paul Fletcher and Jade Tittle, enriching the station's local connection. Fletcher, after a successful 12-year stint at Cities 97, will host middays and join the morning show, while Jade, known for her deep roots in the Minnesota music scene with The Current, will take on the weekday afternoon slot.
James Kurdziel, Director of Content and Programming at 92KQRS, highlighted the strategic change: "This is an obvious evolution for 92KQRS. An entire generation will no longer be underserved in the Twin Cities. We're giving them a fresh take on Rock that speaks to their lives and passions. We're fortunate to have Steve Gorman in the lead and new talent additions to renew our focus on music. 92KQRS is once again relevant to the fans we serve."
The station's transformation also includes preserving some Classic Rock tracks, ensuring that long-time listeners will find familiar tunes amidst the new sounds.
