About Us
AM950 is the only independent progressive talk station in Minnesota and we are committed to bringing you the best local and national progressive programing. Unlike the corporate media, we won’t cave to pressure from corporate sponsors. We strive to act as a counterbalance to all of the misinformation in the corporate media landscape.
AM950 provides unique and informative programming that focuses on what’s important to Minnesotans. While we’re known for progressive talk, our lineup goes far beyond current events. You’ll find shows on food, the arts, advocacy, the LGBTQ+ community, the paranormal, aging, healthy living, Native American news, recovery, and personal finance, along with inspiring conversations with artists, musicians and creators. We strive to amplify the voices of the underrepresented, underserved and diverse communities in Minnesota and beyond.
You can listen to AM950 over the airways or without your radio! If you aren’t in the Twin Cities, don’t have an AM radio or have trouble getting the AM950 signal you can still easily listen to AM950. You can stream AM950 live from your smartphone, connected dashboard and smart speaker by asking your connected devices to “Stream AM950 Radio”. AM950 is always available live on TuneIn Radio. You can watch our locally produced shows on AM950 Radio’s Facebook page, and catch podcasts of those shows anytime on your favorite podcasting apps.
History
Minnesota attorney Janet Robert and former Congressman Bill Luther founded J.R. Broadcasting in November 2003 because of their concern about the impact right wing talk radio had in the 2002 elections. They were inspired and supported by MIT professor Steve VanEvera who suggested reading Sydney Blumenthal's book "The Rise of the Counter-Establishment: The Conservative Ascent to Political Power." Air America Radio made its debut on March 31, 2004, and JR Broadcasting acquired its own radio station AM950, adding shows featuring Al Franken, Mike Malloy, Rachel Maddow, Steve Earl, Ring of Fire with Mike Papantonio, as well as Democracy Radio's Ed Schultz . Over the years, the progressive lineup has changed as hosts transitioned to television or were elected to the U.S. Senate! Current talkers include Stephanie Miller, Thom Hartmann, Amy Goodman, Brad Friedman, Santita Jackson, Rick Smith, Patti Vasquez and more.
AM950’s ownership transitioned in October 2013 to long time employee Chad Larson, who has continued the vision and goal that Janet and Bill set out to achieve from the beginning. AM950 continues to strive to bring the best Progressive talk locally and nationally, while creating a forum for listeners to share their voices.
