WCCO Radio won't broadcast from State Fair

WCCO Radio will not broadcast live from the Minnesota State Fair, station officials said Thursday.

Station brand manager Brad Lane and news director Lindsey Peterson said the decision was made after learning the Great Minnesota Get-Together won't require visitors to wear masks or show proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

Instead, the fair is urging attendees to do both.

"We can't in good conscience put any of our staff in a position to be exposed to someone who either knowingly or unknowingly has COVID — or cause anyone on our staff to be an unwitting carrier for someone back home who might be immune-compromised," the WCCO management team said.

It's unclear whether other TV or radio stations will make the same decision.

Hubbard Broadcasting, which includes 1500 ESPN and KS95, still plans to have its on-air personalities at the fairgrounds. But Hubbard Radio Vice President Dan Seeman said there will be no interaction between staff and fans, which means no handshakes or photo opportunities.

Last week, a state agency that advocates for Minnesotans with disabilities said it will boycott the fair over its lack of mask mandates and other safety measures that would help contain the possible spread of the coronavirus.

The Minnesota Council on Disability criticized state leaders for not requiring masks, vaccines or crowd limits at the fair and said its boycott decision was in response to the recent surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.