KRFO moves to new office at fairgrounds

KRFO Radio has shut down its studio on 18th Street SE in Owatonna where it has been home since 1997. The station has moved into smaller office at the Steele County Fairgrounds. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
Townsquare Media, which operates KRFO and Kat Kountry 105 in Owatonna, has closed its long-time studio and moved into a smaller office.
This month Townsquare moved its operations to the Steele County Fairgrounds where it will occupy what has been known as the Steele County Sheriff’s Office during the fair. The spot is in the same building as the fair office.
Despite the move, the sheriff’s office will continue to occupy the space during fair week, according to Townsquare officials.
“The Owatonna community, our clients and our listeners are at the heart of everything we do,” said Shannon Knoepke, market president for Townsquare Media in southern Minnesota. “Moving to the Steele County Fairgrounds allows us to simplify our operations while staying deeply connected to the town we’re proud to serve.”
Knoepke added, “This move ensures we can continue delivering high-quality content and results driven client solutions for years to come.”
She did not respond to a question if any local programming would be done out of the new office.
Officials said the transition from the old location to the new one should come as a seamless transition for both listeners and clients.
Prior to the move, the radio stations had been broadcasting from 18th Street SE since 1997. The studio was shut down and transmitters removed in early November.
Townsquare said the move was necessary because times, technology and needs change. After evaluating the best way to operate and serve the community moving forward, it was decided that a new location would be beneficial.
Townsquare also operates KDHL-AM and Power 96 in Faribault.
See Senior Living section on page B14 for story on the silencing of the Big Band Show on KRFO.