“Dialed in with Duchesne” is a series of posts from Minnesota Public Radio’s President Duchesne Drew sharing his vision and commitments as MPR creates the future of public media by amplifying voices to inform, include, and inspire. The series will consider the complexities of our state—the great things we do together and the challenges before us—as we shape our services for you, our listeners and members.
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.
I feel fortunate that I consistently wake up excited about the work I do and the amazing people I get to work alongside. Minnesota Public Radio is a magical collection of smart, creative, principled and civic-minded people. From the voices and personalities you know to the those who make it possible for you to hear them – whether they’re running audio boards, building websites, raising funds or making sure we have the kinds of benefits that attract and retain talent – they are all part of what makes what we do possible. And what we do is essential to the health and vitality of our state.
As 2024 winds toward its close, and we consider our place on Dakota and Lakota lands, I share my gratitude and aspirations. I am grateful for all the people willing to do hard things and I strive for our organization to lead the work to reweave the fabric of our divided country.
Last spring, our son, a college junior at the time, became an MPR member. Living in Atlanta, he said he wanted to keep in touch with news and music from home by streaming and downloading MPR content. Plus, he’d decided it was important to support the service he relied on. So, he became a sustainer, just like his mom and dad. He wanted me to know he’d put his own money behind his listening.
This month I’m reflecting on the remarkable growth in the scope of our work at MPR. We’re here today, a leading public media company because of you—our members and advocates.
