History of The 200 Club

Hot Talk with the Ox went on the air in the spring of 2001 on AM 1450 KNSI, St.Cloud MN. Host Dan “Ox” Ochsner was a newcomer to St.Cloud on a mission to bring conservative talk radio to a previously un-served market. Civic leaders were confused and offended as nobody had ever challenged their cushy, unchecked lives until now. This unknown voice was criticizing things that were previously taboo to speak of at all. For example:

• Outrageous decisions like the city paying to sponsor events such as the NAACP dinner and other fundraisers while saying it’s too expensive to have paddleboats on Lake George.
• Cadillac health plans for local politicians.
• Exorbitant development fees to construction managers in bed with high ranking city officials.

However, there were those who bothered to get to know and appreciate “The Ox”. As more and more leaders found a unique outlet on the Ox’s show, a few wannabes felt their previously high profile station in the community threatened. One of these was Times Writers Group columnist Mark Thelen. Illustrating Mark’s disdain and fear of the Ox, the following are excerpts from one of his monthly columns titled “We Must Stop Talking with Ox” (Sub-headline: Local radio show plays into hands of area’s struggling reputation).

“I don’t know them (Dan Ox and Don Lyons) personally. It’s their on-air personalities I want stopped. Not just because I don’t like their hate-filled spew, but because they menace our community. “

“They speak ignorance in drag as arrogance.”

“Their pap causes and encourages the worst in society.”

“They are relentless in their obnoxious condescension and superiority--day after day. “

The author went on to criticize an un-named city councilman and other officials for not “walking out” on the show but rather participating, and even hosting it in the Ox’s absence.

The most important, and lasting part was his allegation that, by his interpretation of the Arbitron ratings, we only had 200 listeners anyway. He had just unwittingly hatched the “200 Club”.

Then, in the spring of 2007, Hot Talk changed hosts and went through a tumultuous period of uncertainty, only to emerge a short time later as a great Phoenix.

We now offer you back your membership in the “200 Club”! New members will also be welcomed with open arms. The 200 Club, though precious and exclusive, requires no dues, no obligations, just benefits. Welcome, and welcome back, to the Hot Talk 200 Club!

Join The 200 Club!