Tom Barnard Not Going Anywhere

• Thirty-four years of waking up the Twin Cities, and Tom Barnard is just getting warmed up, as Cumulus Media announced that it has inked Barnard to a multi-year extension to remain right where he is at Classic Rock KQRS/Minneapolis.

Brian Philips, EVP of Content and Audience for Cumulus Media, said, “With pride and pleasure we celebrate the news that Tom will continue to broadcast from the place he most belongs, KQRS. Tom is the Twin Cities’ hometown-born morning king, and Cumulus is immensely proud and protective of our long relationship with him.” Shelly Malecha Wilkes, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Minneapolis, commented, “Tom Barnard is an amazing and legendary talent. We could not be happier to extend our agreement with him. Today is a very good day for KQRS.”

Barnard, a Minneapolis native, began his radio career in 1971 and has been a fixture on KQRS since 1986 while also enjoying a successful voiceover career. In 2006 Barnard was recognized with a Marconi Award for Large Market Personality of the Year; in 2017, Barnard was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame (left), and in 2018 he entered the Pavek Museum, which honors Minnesota Broadcasters.

As the ink dried on his new deal, Barnard said, “I’m so grateful to the listeners and advertisers for supporting the KQ Morning Show for the past 34 years. Thanks to them, all my years as a morning host will be spent at the legendary KQRS. Thanks to Shelly for the support system she provides me. I’m so honored to continue to do what I love in my hometown. I can’t ask for anything more.”