Robert C. Fransen

Inducted 2003

Robert C. Fransen has been an important part of broadcasting in Minnesota for nearly sixty years.

Best known for making WTCN TV Minneapolis/Saint Paul (now KARE TV) the top rated independent station in the country during his eighteen years of leadership, his career began during World War II, when he produced radio shows for the US Army. He joined the news staff of WCCO Minneapolis/Saint Paul in 1946. After a term as news director at KYSM Mankato, he moved to what is now WCCO TV Minneapolis/Saint Paul in 1949, working as an announcer, director, production manager, and weatherman. He put WEEK TV Peoria, Illinois, on the air in 1952, and then was hired to staff and program KEYD TV Minneapolis/Saint Paul (now KMSP TV) in 1954. He moved to WTCN TV in 1957 and worked as an account executive and sales manager before his promotion to vice president and general manager. He later served as vice president and general manager of KITN TV Minneapolis/Saint Paul (now WFTC TV) and as general manager of KSTP AM Minneapolis/Saint Paul. His many honors include the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle Award.

Bob Fransen passed away on July 28, 2019 at the age of 98.