So what exactly might the new KQ be?
Sports-talk radio is one theory being thrown around by radio insiders, since Gorman got his start as a radio professional talking sports in Nashville. However, competing with the iHeartMedia-run ratings leader KFAN (100.3 FM) in that format would be very tough.
Other insiders are pointing to an “alternative” rock station akin to Minnesota Public Radio’s trendy music outlet the Current, which would also fit in Gorman’s wheelhouse. KQ listeners have noticed a slight shift on the station in recent years to more ’90s-era bands such as Nirvana, Green Day, Beastie Boys and even Minneapolis’ own ne’er-do-wells the Replacements — all of whom were played on air Tuesday night between the station’s older standbys such as Foreigner, Bon Jovi, ZZ Top, Pink Floyd and the Who.
One more unlikely but not-entirely-dismissible theory being floated around: Given the KQ relaunch’s timing right around April Fools’ Day, this also could be some kind of ruse. Surely, though, the station’s advertisers wouldn’t want to get fooled again if that were the case.