Former 830 WCCO program director Paul Stagg has died at 83. Stagg spent more than six decades building a career in radio.
What We Know: Paul Stagg, whose real name was Paul Steigerwald, spent 18 years at WCCO Radio and TV in Minneapolis. During that time, he worked as a staff announcer, music director, and program director. He later became general manager of WCCO-FM, now known as 102.9 The Wolf. Stagg also worked at WDAY in Fargo and at WWTC and KLBB in the Twin Cities. He eventually returned to his hometown of Willmar, where he worked at KWLM until retiring in 2019. Stagg was 83 years old.
What He’s Remembered For: Throughout his career, Stagg became a familiar name across Minnesota broadcasting. His work at WCCO gave him an opportunity to hold several influential roles at one of the state’s most prominent radio operations. Meanwhile, his work at stations across Minnesota reflected a career that stretched well beyond the Twin Cities. In 2017, the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame recognized Stagg by inducting him into its ranks.
What Remains Unclear: Details surrounding Stagg’s death, including the cause and circumstances, weren’t immediately available. Additional information about services or memorial arrangements also hasn’t been announced.
What It Means: Stagg’s death marks the passing of a longtime Minnesota radio figure whose career spanned multiple generations of broadcasting. His six decades in the business connected him to both major-market radio and the smaller communities that helped shape his career. Ultimately, his legacy includes his contributions to WCCO and his lasting impact on Minnesota radio.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.