Twin Cities Radio: iHM's KFAN Airs Apology During Spot Break

Minnesota radio host Paul Allen is taking several days off from his "Nine-to-Noon" sports show on 100.3 K-Fan (KFXN Minneapolis) after backlash over Friday comments questioning whether anti-immigration-crackdown protesters in subzero weather receive "hazard pay" as "paid protesters."

During a commercial break, the station aired Allen's pre-recorded apology Monday before his program, with Paul Charchian guest-hosting. No disciplinary action has been announced.

In the apology, Allen called his remark "insensitive and poorly timed," a "misguided intent at humor" with no ill intent, and apologized to anyone hurt or offended. He stressed the show is strictly sports-focused, meant to entertain and provide an escape from politics and heavy news.

The comment came during a Friday segment with Chad Greenway and Alec Lewis discussing extreme cold, when Allen referenced that day's large Minneapolis protest (over 10,000 marchers despite below-zero temps) and said: “I’m beginning to wonder if, in conditions like this, do paid protesters get hazard pay?”Greenway replied, “Yeah, probably not going to touch that one.”

Allen addressed the issue Saturday on X, saying he was “hurting” over the controversy in Minnesota and promising no more “cheap one-liners” on the topic.