American Public Media | Minnesota Public Radio Names Brian Newhouse Managing Director for Classical Music Programming

Jun 4, 2010

(St. Paul, Minn.)--June 4, 2010--American Public Media and Minnesota Public Radio has named Brian Newhouse Managing Director for Classical Music Programming. The position oversees programming for all of Classical Minnesota Public Radio stations, as well as American Public Media programs "Classical 24," "Performance Today," "SymphonyCast" and "Pipedreams."

"After an extensive nationwide search, we weren't surprised to find the next leader of Classical Programming at APM/MPR right here under our roof," said Judy McAlpine, senior vice president for programming, American Public Media. "Brian's passion and knowledge for classical music is palpable, and his work is top notch and inspiring. We're excited he will continue to lend us his talents in this leadership role."

Brian Newhouse has a long history at Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media. He joined the company in 1983 as an announcer, left in 1993 for a hosting and producing stint in Germany, and returned in the late '90s as a weekend newscaster. Newhouse next helped launch American Public Media's program on religion and ethics Speaking of Faith, moving full-time to Classical Minnesota Public Radio's team in 2004. He holds degrees in voice and English, won a Peabody Award for writing the radio documentary "The Mississippi: River of Song," and penned the memoir, "A Crossing: A Cyclist's Journey Home."

Newhouse most recently served as the executive producer of American Public Media's classical programming, including "SymphonyCast" (which he also hosts), "Performance Today," "Pipedreams" and other programs. He also hosts the Friday night live broadcasts of the Minnesota Orchestra heard regionally on Classical Minnesota Public Radio. His duties will evolve as his other responsibilities expand.

Of his new role, Newhouse says, "Classical music is a great gift of and to humanity, and our listeners let us know that in myriad ways every day. We take our job of bringing them the best of this beloved, lively art form seriously. It's how we seek to make a difference in their communities." He continues, "I feel incredibly privileged to expand that work at APM|MPR."

American Public Media is the largest producer and distributor of classical music programming in the country. It features a range of innovative music programming, from a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week classical music service to Performance Today, a daily classical music program, to weekly programs and specials that are mainstays of public radio. American Public Media also enjoys an exclusive partnership with the European Broadcasting Union, allowing APM to broadcast special musical events like the popular Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and a series of live broadcasts from the BBC Proms in London.