Wikipedia

WJON

WJON
The studios for WWJO, KLZZ, KMXK, KZRV, KXSS, and WJON, viewed from the Empire Builder
Frequency1240 kHz
BrandingAM 1240 FM 95.3 WJON
Programming
FormatNews/talk
AffiliationsABC News Radio
NBC News Radio
Compass Media Networks
Genesis Communications Network
Premiere Networks
USA Radio Network
Westwood One
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Wild
Ownership
Owner
KLZZ, KMXK, KZRV, WWJO, KXSS
History
First air date
September 10, 1950 (75 years ago) (1950-09-10)
Technical information[1]
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID73144
ClassC
Power1,000 watts
Translator95.3 W237EU (St. Cloud)
Links
Public license information
WebcastListen Live
Websitewjon.com

WJON (1240 AM) is a radio station in St. Cloud, Minnesota airing a news/talk format. The station is owned by Townsquare Media. Its main competitors are Leighton Broadcasting's KNSI of St. Cloud and WCCO and KTLK of Minneapolis. The station is also heard on FM translator W237EU 95.3 in St. Cloud.

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.

History

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WJON-AM launched its first broadcast on September 10, 1950.[2] The station was established to provide localized news and community-centric programming to the Central Minnesota area. Prior to the establishment of independent student radio at St. Cloud State University, the station served as the primary training ground for local broadcasting students. In 1960, the university's radio guild began producing pre-recorded content in campus studios specifically for airplay on WJON.[3][4] During the 1952 presidential campaign, the station’s coverage area was the site of a major rally where candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed an estimated 8,000 residents on the steps of the Stearns County Courthouse.[5]

In the late 20th century, the station faced scrutiny regarding its editorial practices. On January 18, 1990, the station was formally admonished by federal regulators for failing to provide a reasonable opportunity for opposing views to respond to six different editorial endorsements made on-air on November 7, 1988.[6] At the time, the station was under the leadership of longtime owner Andy Hilger.[7] The station has been recognized nationally for its commitment to local public service. In 2006, WJON was a recipient of the NAB Crystal Radio Award.[8]

In 2013, ownership of WJON-AM transitioned to Townsquare Media as part of a large-scale divestiture by Cumulus Media.[9] This acquisition included the entire St. Cloud cluster, which also comprised WWJO, KLZZ, KMXK, KZRV, and KXSS.[10] The transaction allowed Townsquare Media to become one of the largest operators of radio stations focused specifically on small and mid-sized markets in the United States.[11]

References

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  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for WJON". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "New Radio Unit, WJON, Will Go On Air Sept. 10". The St. Cloud Daily Times. St. Cloud, Minnesota. September 5, 1950. p. 9. Retrieved November 16, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ "History of KVSC". KVSC.org. St. Cloud State University. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  4. ^ "WJON, Saint Cloud, Minnesota - The Youth Series entry form". George Foster Peabody Awards Collection. Hargrett Library, University of Georgia. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  5. ^ Penick, Steve (2025). Images of America: St. Cloud. Mount Pleasant, SC: Arcadia Publishing.
  6. ^ "St. Cloud, Minnesota, Andy Hilger, President WJON Broadcasting, Company Radio Station WJON(AM)" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. January 16, 1990. DA 90-20; 5 FCC Rcd 466. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  7. ^ Caldwell, Jay (September 15, 2020). "WJON Celebrates 70 Years in Pictures". WJON.com. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  8. ^ "NAB Crystal Radio Awards Past Winners". National Association of Broadcasters. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  9. ^ "Cumulus Media sells 53 radio stations in 12 U.S. cities to Townsquare Media for $238 million". Jones Day. November 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  10. ^ Venta, Lance (August 30, 2013). "Townsquare Acquires 71 Stations From Cumulus & Peak". RadioInsight. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
  11. ^ "Townsquare Media Acquiring Assets from Cumulus and Peak" (Press release). Townsquare Media, LLC. August 30, 2013. Retrieved January 2, 2026.
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45°33′36″N 94°08′21″W / 45.56000°N 94.13917°W / 45.56000; -94.13917

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