He said they are vastly different opportunities, as the deal to remain at 1380 now is for the Internet operation McKernan heads, insidestl.com, to buy the show's air time and pay the salaries — including his. He said that's intriguing because it would be a big step for that company as it contemplates expansion, possibly into other cities. But a move to KFNS, where he would be in afternoon drive time, would provide a guaranteed salary and end his days of having to get up before sunrise. He finds both options intriguing.

"I would be working for a guy (KFNS general manager Dave Greene) who is building something very strong and something that is very attractive,'' McKernan said. "If I were to do the thing with 1380 and insidestl.com, it would be about controlling our own destiny, of the show and website, and taking it in-house,'' to sell. ... "This is on us, putting my money behind it. It is really high-risk with potential high reward.''

A move to KFNS, however, would preclude his other hosts — TV sportscasters Jim Hayes and Doug Vaughn — from participating full time because they have television duties in the afternoon and McKernan emphasizes how important they are to the success of the program.