From Neal Justin
Longtime Minnesota broadcaster Kevyn Burger was told Tuesday after her radio show that her contract was not being renewed. Burger, who has been with 107.1 FM, the female-oriented talk station, since 2002, no longer fit the station's image, said general manager Dan Seeman.
"We've evolved to a pretty different place than when we started," he said. "We're more pop-culture and celebrity news now. Kevyn is a great, professional broadcaster, but she no longer fit that direction."
Seeman noted that Burger's program, which ran mid-mornings, struggled more than any other in the ratings. "That certainly supported the decision," he said.
Burger's contract expires at the first of the year, but she'll no longer be doing the show. Guests will temporarily fill in, but Seeman expects that they won't name a long-term replacement. Instead, other 107.1 programs will be expanded.
Burger, who worked at the WCCO and KSTP television stations prior to the current stint, said the news came "out of the blue."
"It's quite humbling," she said. "It's been a great ride. I'm grateful for every day I was on the air."
Burger's show took on new weight in 2007 when she revealed she was battling cancer and the show documented her chemotherapy and three surgeries. It also gave her a personal escape during particular tough times. "On air, we had a party. I didn't have to talk about profound matters," she said. "I'm convinced it help me get well." Burger said she no longer has cancer.
