Spinning Great Music for Twenty Years—Celebrating The Current
Jan 28, 2025
It was big news when MPR announced in 2004 that it would purchase 89.3 on the FM radio dial from St. Olaf College. This bold move added to MPR’s relevance and reach. In addition to adding a whole new station to our mix, we added a repeater station in Rochester, now one of the fastest-growing cities in Minnesota. We acquired a radio tower and signal, a new spot on the radio dial, and launched a whole new mix of music programming on the air and in venues across the region.
In an early act of crowdfunding, MPR asked members if they would make a commitment to be among the first to invest in this new station’s future. Would they become a Founding Member of The Cur
rent, a station they had yet to hear? A remarkable 9,127 responded with a resounding yes and made their $120 investment in this big idea.
Recently, I walked past the recognition plaque with the list of founders. The list is so long it took a very small font and an entire wall to hold all the names. These founding members didn’t know much about what the station would become or how it would sound. But they wanted to join in and help the station. It’s another example of what makes our MPR audience so very special.
It’s in our DNA to be a bold organization. In launching The Current MPR had a vision that went beyond serving a new audience. It was doing something that had never been done. I’m inspired by the curiosity, boldness, and faith of those first donors. Now, 20 years later, we’re celebrating The Current’s success and bright future.
It’s a core tenet of public media that we work to be media for all. Everyone should benefit. We carry a sense of urgency to keep the music alive and available on air, online and in person and to bridge young listeners with music new and old. Like when you hear Prince alongside Janelle Monae and discover the ways they tie together. Artists take their identity and pour it into a song. They make something new. They seek a listener. Someone to hear this new work and respond to it. What makes The Current so special is the way it nurtures local artists, creates a distinctive Minnesota sound, and forms community connections around the music.
From that remarkable beginning is a service that is so distinctive and so appreciated it even got a shout-out from CNN anchor Jake Tapper when he was in town in November. He said on X, “Do Minnesotans know how blessed they are to have @TheCurrent?”
Many do and we intend to continue to reach even more music lovers.
I can always rely on The Current to be there for me; like a best friend when I’m down, my biggest cheerleader to celebrate with me and the coolest teachers to teach me more about the music I love, while also playing all the nostalgic songs that ground me home. The Current truly makes the Twin Cities special and helps me feel connected to the community.”
– Ashley, Minneapolis, MN
The Current continues to innovate. Two years ago, with a major grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), MPR partnered with KMOJ Radio to launch Carbon Sound, a music stream, website and app dedicated to celebrating the depth, breadth and influence of Black musical expression. Today, this streaming service is growing its listenership and its community of artists drawn in by Julian Green. He’s bringing in young Deejays to play their playlists and cross-pollinating generations of music. We’re excited to see it grow.
As Music Services Director David Safar says, “Everyone knows something about music, that’s at the core of our approach to serving the audience. The Current provides discovery and shared moments for anyone who wants to join this community, and we invite you to join the conversation. We don’t tell you what to like. We share music with you that we think will matter. That’s been our job.”
With this commitment to uncompromising quality plus an unwavering commitment to serve Minnesotans via the airwaves, digital platforms and music venues, we truly have something special to celebrate.
Like those early days of founding members, now is a great time to show your support for this truly special music service. We continue to make investments to grow it. Earlier this month we launched a best of The Current audio stream. We also plan to add new roles to the station in a music director and digital editor. We will continue to connect with your local communities. Check out the schedule of happy hours and other events.
Thank you for all the ways you support MPR. May this year be one where we all shine bright.
In gratitude,
Duchesne Drew
President, Minnesota Public Radio
About Duchesne Drew
Duchesne Drew is Senior Vice President of American Public Media Group and President of Minnesota Public Radio. In this role, he leads the teams that produce MPR News, The Current, APM Reports and Marketplace. Additionally, he oversees YourClassical MPR as a part of Minnesota Public Radio.