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KZRV (96.7 FM, "96-7 The River") is a radio station in St. Cloud, Minnesota licensed to Sartell, Minnesota by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), airing a classic hits format. The station is owned by Townsquare Media. The station's studios, along with Townsquare's other St. Cloud stations, are located at 640 Lincoln Avenue SE, on St. Cloud's east side.
Key Information
History
[edit]KZRV-FM began its initial broadcasting operations in 1988 under the call sign KKSR, licensed to Sartell, Minnesota.[2] The station was founded by StarCom, Inc., a local company headed by Don Rabbitt, and was originally known for its Adult Contemporary format branded as "Star 96.7". While he launched KKSR, he simultaneously launched WCMN-LP (Channel 13), an independent low-power television station. The two stations were sister operations, sharing a studio facility, provided a hyper-local alternative to the Twin Cities-based media that dominated the region. WCMN was notable for being one of the few low-power TV stations in the country to produce a full nightly local newscast, often featuring the same local news staff that provided updates for Star 96.7.[3]
The partnership with WCMN-TV allowed for cross-promotional "simulcasts" of major local events, such as the Granite City Days parade.[4] Don Rabbitt sold the radio assets of StarCom, including KKSR, to Regent Communications (the predecessor to Townsquare Media) for approximately $8.5 million.[5] Shortly after the sale, the station flipped to a Top 40/CHR format and rebranded as "Kiss 96." In September 2007, the station abandoned pop music for an active rock format. To match the new "Rev 96-7" branding, the call letters were officially changed to KZRV.[6] As part of a massive deal with Cumulus Media, the station’s ownership was transferred to Townsquare Media.[7]
On June 27, 2017, the station underwent a significant format flip at midnight, moving away from its ten-year "Rev 96-7" active rock identity.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Facility Technical Data for KZRV". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
- ^ Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook (PDF) (Report). R.R. Bowker. 1989. p. B-159.
- ^ "Regent Communications to acquire StarCom radio assets". U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Regent Communications. May 15, 2000. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ "Star 96.7 and Channel 13 Team Up for Parade Coverage". The St. Cloud Times. St. Cloud, Minnesota. June 24, 1994. p. 3B.
- ^ "Local Radio Stations Sold; StarCom CEO to Focus on TV". The St. Cloud Times. St. Cloud, Minnesota. May 16, 2000. p. 1A.
- ^ "Call Sign History: KZRV". Federal Communications Commission. September 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ "Townsquare Acquires 71 Stations From Cumulus & Peak". RadioInsight. August 30, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
- ^ Venta, Lance (June 27, 2017). "Classic Hits Flows Into St. Cloud". RadioInsight. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
External links
[edit]- 96.7 The River official website
- Facility details for Facility ID 59149 (KZRV) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
- KZRV in Nielsen Audio's FM station database
45°46′01″N 94°08′06″W / 45.767°N 94.135°W
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