A Face for Radio...

5 days ago, FTVLive told you that KARE (Minneapolis) Anchor Cory Hepola was following his wife out the door at the station.

And while he is leaving the station and TV news, he is not leaving broadcasting.

Hepola leaves KARE to become morning host for WCCO Radio — a signal that the longtime institution is determined to maintain its “Good Neighbor” reputation.

“I told them that if they were looking for someone divisive, then I’m not your guy,” Hepola said before Tuesday’s official on-air announcement. “I’m going to do a positive show.”

“There was never a plan to be a more political radio station,” WCCO program director Lindsey Peterson said late last week. “Our mission has always been to play both sides. Cory wanted to be in a better position to connect with people. He’s excited about taking phone calls on the air. He’s an all-around good fit for a station like ours.”

“All I ever wanted to do since I was 8 years old was be a TV journalist in the Twin Cities,” said Hepola, 37, after laying his three young kids down for a nap. “But I feel like I accomplished everything I ever set out to do on TV. I’m ready for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to really discussing issues rather than just having 90 seconds to share a story.”

H/T Star Tribune