Minneapolis-St. Paul’s rock radio powerhouse 93X (KXXR) has been blasting the best in hard rock and metal through Minnesota’s airwaves since 1994. With its signature mix of classic headbangers and cutting-edge rock tracks, 93X keeps Twin Cities’ listeners coming back for more.
The station’s popular “Half-Assed Morning Show” kickstarts weekdays with a perfect blend of humor and hard-hitting music. From local concert coverage to exclusive artist interviews, 93X doesn’t just play rock – it lives and breathes the culture. Whether it’s hosting legendary festivals like the 93X Family Gathering or breaking new bands through their “93X Discovery” segments, this radio station stands as a cornerstone of Minnesota’s rock community.
The Story Behind 93X Radio’s Rise to Fame
93X transformed from a modest radio station into a powerhouse of rock music in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The station’s evolution reflects its dedication to delivering authentic rock content to Minnesota audiences.
Origins and Early Broadcasting Days
KXXR began broadcasting in the Twin Cities market in 1960 as WCTS-FM, operating under a Christian teaching format. The station transmitted from a 530-foot tower in Shoreview, Minnesota, reaching listeners across the metropolitan area. Ownership changes marked the early years, with the station passing through several broadcasting groups including Entertainment Communications and Cumulus Media. During this period, the station experimented with various formats including beautiful music, adult contemporary, and urban contemporary, building a foundation for its future transformation.
Transition to Rock Format
The station adopted the 93X brand identity in 1994, marking a pivotal shift to an active rock format. Program Director Sam Elliot orchestrated this transition, introducing a mix of hard rock classics alongside emerging alternative rock artists. The Half-Assed Morning Show launched in 1997, becoming a cornerstone of the station’s programming lineup. The format change proved successful, with ratings climbing from 2.1 to 4.5 within the first year of the rock format. By 2000, 93X established itself as the dominant rock station in the market, consistently ranking among the top 3 stations in the coveted 18-34 demographic.
Popular Shows and Personalities
93X radio maintains its audience through signature programs featuring dynamic personalities engaging listeners with rock music expertise interviews news commentary.
Half-Assed Morning Show
The Half-Assed Morning Show dominates Twin Cities morning radio with host Nick Osfenske leading the crew since 1997. Broadcasting weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM, the show blends rock music news comedy live calls with signature segments like “The One That Got Away” “Headlines” “Dead or Alive.” Josh Bitney serves as producer while Dave Bakk handles sports coverage adding depth to discussions. The show’s irreverent humor authentic interactions with listeners earned it multiple industry awards including the Marconi Radio Award for Rock Station of the Year.
Key Radio Personalities
93X features seasoned radio hosts throughout its daily programming schedule. Lauren “Double L” Lockwood anchors middays with exclusive artist interviews music discovery segments. Pablo hosts afternoons mixing classic rock deep cuts with emerging artists maintaining high energy from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Jordan Alamat commands the evening slot specializing in breaking metal bands new releases. Weekend programming showcases rotating DJs including veteran rock personality Brian “The Bear” Zepp who spotlights local Minnesota bands emerging talent through dedicated showcase segments.
Music Programming and Format
93X maintains a distinctive active rock format that combines contemporary hard rock hits with carefully selected classic tracks. The station’s programming emphasizes high-energy music while maintaining a balance between established artists and emerging talent.
Active Rock Focus
93X’s playlist centers on guitar-driven rock music from the 1990s to present day, featuring bands like Metallica, Foo Fighters, Tool and Breaking Benjamin. The station dedicates 70% of airtime to current rock hits while integrating 30% classic rock selections. During peak hours, 93X plays 12-14 songs per hour, implementing a hot rotation system that ensures top-performing tracks receive consistent airplay. The programming includes dedicated metal blocks during evening hours, branded as “Hard Drive XL,” showcasing heavier artists such as Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch and Avenged Sevenfold.
Signature Music Features
93X delivers specialized music segments throughout its broadcast schedule, including:
- 93X New Music Experience: Spotlights emerging artists weeknights from 10 PM to midnight
- Local Band Spotlight: Features Minnesota-based rock bands every Sunday at 9 PM
- 93X Weekend Warriors: Three-hour blocks of commercial-free music on Saturdays
- Mandatory Metallica: Daily segments featuring Metallica tracks at 9 PM
- 93X Brotherhood: Member-exclusive first listens to new releases from major rock artists
93X’s Impact on Twin Cities Radio
93X transformed the Twin Cities radio landscape through its innovative programming format and community engagement. The station’s influence extends beyond traditional broadcasting through strategic partnerships with local venues and national recognition for programming excellence.
Community Events and Concerts
93X strengthens the Twin Cities rock community through signature events like the annual 93X Family Gathering, drawing 15,000+ attendees. The station partners with venues such as The Armory, First Avenue & Myth Live to present 40+ exclusive concerts annually. Local initiatives include the “93X Rising Rock Stars” program, spotlighting emerging Minnesota bands through monthly showcases. The station’s “Brotherhood Nights” connect fans with artists through intimate performances at venues across Minneapolis-St. Paul. These events generate $2 million in annual economic impact for the local entertainment industry.
Awards and Recognition
93X earned multiple industry accolades including three Marconi Radio Awards for Rock Station of the Year (2005, 2012, 2018). The “Half-Assed Morning Show” received five Achievement in Radio Awards for Best Morning Show. Billboard Magazine ranked 93X among the top 10 rock radio stations nationwide for five consecutive years (2015-2019). The National Association of Broadcasters recognized the station’s community service through four Crystal Radio Awards. Radio & Records magazine named 93X “Market Leader in Active Rock” eight times between 2000-2020.
Digital Presence and Evolution
93X Radio embraces digital transformation through comprehensive online platforms that expand its reach beyond traditional FM broadcasting. The station integrates modern technology to enhance listener engagement across multiple digital touchpoints.
Streaming Services
93X offers high-quality digital streaming through its dedicated mobile app “93X Rocks” available on iOS Android platforms. The app features live station broadcasts HD audio quality commercial-free premium streams exclusive on-demand content. Listeners access archived episodes of the Half-Assed Morning Show special segments music interviews through the 93X website player. The station partners with iHeartRadio TuneIn Audacy to provide additional streaming options reaching over 100,000 monthly digital listeners. Custom playlists curated music channels showcase different subgenres from classic metal to alternative rock.
Social Media Integration
93X maintains active profiles across Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube with a combined following of 500,000+ fans. The station broadcasts live concert coverage backstage interviews through Instagram Live Facebook Live features. Daily social media content includes music news updates artist spotlights concert announcements exclusive giveaways. The 93X Brotherhood members receive early access to content ticket presales through dedicated social channels. Twitter engagement peaks during morning show segments with real-time listener interactions trending hashtag campaigns. YouTube channel archives video interviews live performances generating 2 million annual views.
Conclusion
93X stands as a cornerstone of rock radio in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Through its innovative programming engaging community events and digital adaptability the station has built an enduring legacy in the Twin Cities’ music scene.
Beyond its impressive ratings and industry accolades 93X’s true success lies in its ability to unite rock fans build local music communities and provide a platform for emerging talent. The station continues to evolve while staying true to its rock roots making it an essential voice in modern rock radio.
As 93X moves forward it remains committed to delivering quality rock programming fostering community connections and embracing new ways to reach listeners in the digital age. This dedication ensures its position as a vital force in the rock radio landscape for years to come.
