KATO-FM

Infobox Radio station
name = KATO-FM


city = New Ulm, Minnesota
area = Mankato, Minnesota
branding = Minnesota 93
slogan = "New Country"
airdate = 1973
frequency = 93.1 FM (MHz)
format = Commercial; Country
power =
erp = 100,000 watts
haat = 149 meters
class = C1
facility_id = 30120
callsign_meaning = ManKATO
former_callsigns = KNUJ-FM, KXLP
owner = Linder Radio
licensee =
sister_stations = KXLP, KDOG, KXAC, KTOE, KYSM
webcast =
website = http://www.mn93.com
affiliations =

KATO-FM (93.1 FM) is a radio station licensed to New Ulm, Minnesota and serving the Mankato area and the Minnesota River Valley. The station flipped to a country music format on September 24, 2007.

History

This station was originally KNUJ-FM, and paired with KNUJ in New Ulm. By the early 1980s, as the station increased its power, it moved its broadcasting studios and its primary focus to the larger city of Mankato.

As KXLP, they aired an album-oriented rock format on and off from 1982 to 2007. They flipped to adult contemporary in 1986 as "Lite Rock 93 KXLP" amid a large outcry from loyal listeners. A few years later, they flipped back to rock, shifting toward classic rock in 1995. For many years, they were co-owned with KYSM-FM and KYSM, first by James Ingstad (as Pro Radio Group), then Cumulus Broadcasting, then Clear Channel Communications.

The station was purchased in August 2007 from Clear Channel by Linder Radio, a.k.a. Minnesota Valley Broadcasting Co., which also acquired sister station KYSM. Current sister stations include KTOE, KDOG, KXAC and a new sign-on at 94.1 FM. Linder Radio also owns KOWZ-FM, KOWZ and KRUE, which serve the Waseca/Owatonna area and whose signals can be picked up in parts of the Mankato market.

At 5:00 PM on September 21, 2007, KXLP's call sign, on-air staff and format moved from 93.1 FM to the new sign-on at 94.1 FM, which made its on-air debut as the new KXLP. KXLP's former frequency changed call letters to KATO-FM, which launched a country music format three days later.

Logo gallery

External links

* [http://www.mn93.com Minnesota 93]
* [http://www.mankatofreepress.com/local/local_story_260005858.html Rearranging the radio dial: Clear Channel sale leads to area radio shakeup]
*FMQ|KATO
*FML|KATO
*FMARB|KATO