John Hanson, who most recently hosted an afternoon TV talk show in the Twin Cities since 2008, will be heading to Kansas City to become the new program director at KCSP-610 Sports.

Hanson is replacing Ryan Maguire, who left the station last month for the program director’s post at KDKA in Pittsburgh.

Maguire had been with the Entercom station for nearly three years was unable to unseat sports talk market leader WHB-810 AM.

Most recently Hanson, who had never done TV previously, co-hosted an afternoon talk show called “Twin Cities Live” on KSTP-TV (see his emotional going-away announcement below). His last day there will be Dec. 21.

“It’s two-sided,” Hanson, 37, said to the Pioneer Press about leaving KSTP. “It’s tough to leave. It was a really hard decision, but at the same time an incredible opportunity for me. I’m really excited about it.

“It’s something I had to take. Kansas City is a great sports radio market. The station there is a great station. I’m lucky to have been offered the position there.”

Hanson, a native Minnesotan, will join KCSP Jan. 14 after his upcoming marriage.

Hanson landed his TV job job after going to an open casting call with more than 500 people for the show held at the Mall of America. Before coming to “TCL,” Hanson was a radio program director for 9 years in Las Vegas and has an extensive background in sports talk radio.

On the Danny Parkins show on Tuesday Parkins’ partner Carrington Harrison had only one question about the new PD: “What race is he?” When he was told he was white he was disappointed.

Hanson will have his work cut out trying to rebuild the station in the KC market.