89.3 The Current Co-Music Director Melanie Walker Steps Down to Relocate in San Francisco

Nov 7, 2011

(St. Paul, Minn.)--November 8, 2011--89.3 The Current announced today that after more than six years with the Current, Co-Music Director Melanie Walker is leaving to accompany her husband Aaron Michelson as he begins a new position with music management company Q Prime in San Francisco.

"I've been so fortunate to dedicate the last six years to building a radio station for this community and setting a standard for the Non-Comm AAA," said Walker. "This is a special company filled with forward-thinking, passionate radio professionals. I'll miss everyone. They aren't just colleagues--they're my misfit music loving family. I'm thankful to Steve Nelson for offering me the opportunity and am ever grateful that my current boss Jim McGuinn joined the Current to continue the work we started. I look forward to seeing The Current progress after I move to the West Coast. And yes! I'll still be a card-carrying member."

Walker joined Minnesota Public Radio's sister network station, Southern California Public Radio's KPCC, in 2003. She moved to St. Paul when she was hired as 89.3 The Current's assistant music director in 2005. She was promoted to 89.3 The Current's music director in 2006.

"Melanie joined The Current early on and has helped shape its sound and brand every step of the way," said Jim McGuinn, program director, 89.3 The Current. "She got the word out to the music industry and world about The Current and has continued to be one of the key architects of our station. We're going to miss her greatly."

Walker's last day as co-music director will be December 9, 2011. David Safar, the remaining co-music director, will serve as interim head of 89.3 The Current's music department. 89.3 The Current plans to announce staff changes and possible opportunities soon.