WLOL AM & FM

WLOL-AM first signed on the air on June 16, 1940. The call letters "WLOL" stood for "Land of Lakes," a fitting tribute to Minnesota’s well-known nickname. 

WLOL became affiliated with the Mutual Broadcasting System, which brought national programming to local airwaves. Programming was varied, with offerings ranging from classical music to entertainment and public affairs. By the mid-1950s, WLOL had transitioned to a popular music format, aiming to capture a younger audience.

In the early 1980s, WLOL saw a resurgence, thanks in part to the success of its sister station, WLOL-FM (99.5), which had embraced a Top 40/CHR (Contemporary Hit Radio) format. The morning show duo of John Hines and Bob Berglund became one of the most iconic radio pairings in the Twin Cities during the early to mid-1980s. They delivered a mix of music, comedy, parody songs, and listener interaction, becoming a daily staple for many commuters. Towards the end of the 1980s, the morning show was hosted by Mike Miller, Eleanor Mondale, and John Hines. Other personalities included "Bullet" Bob Lange, Tac Hammer, Karen Wang, Pam Lewis, and others.

Jay Philpott was another key figure at WLOL-FM during the early 1980s, known for his engaging on-air presence and deep knowledge of rock and pop music. After WLOL, Philpott continued a successful career in radio across the country, including stints in St. Louis and other major markets. He also became involved in WLOL-FM 100.3 FM classic rock formats and industry organizations like the Conclave, based in Minneapolis.

The end of the WLOL-FM era came in 1991, when Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) purchased the FM side (99.5) and transitioned it to a classical music format under the call letters KSJN-FM.