The local radio dial is becoming more crowded with Linder-family stations with the company’s acquisition of KXLP-FM and KYSM-AM (The Fan).

The Linders also got a new FM license for the Mankato market — the format of which they haven’t yet settled on.

In this area, the Linders — through their company Minnesota Valley Broadcasting — own KTOE-AM, KDOG-FM, KRRW and KXAC St. James, KRUE and KOWO Waseca.

“We’ll be able to offer more diverse programming and serve our advertisers better by offering more demographics and reach,” said Chief Executive Officer John Linder.

He said the formats for KXLP and The Fan would stay mostly the same.

Meanwhile, Three Eagles Communications, which owns KEEZ-FM (Z99) has purchased KYSM-FM (Country 103.5). The Nebraska-based company also owns area stations KRBI AM and FM (The Buzzard) in St. Peter and KQYK (Eagle Country) Lake Crystal.

Clear Channel breakup

The local shakeup comes from the sale of Clear Channel Communications late last year. Clear Channel had dominated the national radio industry in recent years. It was sold for nearly $27 billion to a consortium of private-equity firms, which then sold off one-third of its 1,150 radio stations.

Initially, Three Eagles purchased nine stations in Iowa and three in Minnesota from Clear Channel, including KYSM AM and FM and KXLP. Three Eagles paid $25 million in that deal. The company then sold KXLP and KYSM-AM to Linder.

According to the industry journal Broadcasting & Cable Online, the Linders paid $3.13 million for KXLP.

Linder said after looking at the local market, he and Three Eagles decided it made sense for Three Eagles to sell The Fan to Linder.

“It just fits in well with KTOE and our Twins broadcasting and all the local sports we do,” Linder said.

KYSM-AM is the oldest radio station in Mankato, starting in the late 1930s.

Much of The Fan’s programming has come from the KFAN station in the Twin Cities, which is still owned by Clear Channel. Linder said he expects to continue getting most of the KFAN programming on The Fan.

Vikings games will again be broadcast locally and Linder said he is in negotiations to get Timberwolves broadcasts, as well.