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MPR announces new regional program director
Steve Nelson moves from The Current to Minnesota Public Radio News
July 31, 2008
Minnesota Public Radio announced today the appointment of Steve Nelson as program director of Minnesota Public Radio's statewide regional news network. This newly created position will focus on improving MPR News' capacity to develop relevant, audience-responsive programming that brings vital news coverage to the listening public.
"Steve brings wide-ranging experience to this position at a time when news operations—regardless of the medium—are challenged to find fresh ways to connect with, and keep, audiences," said Chris Worthington, director, MPR News. "He mixes a creative flair with deep knowledge of the craft of radio. Steve's touch is exactly what we were looking for."
Nelson launched The Current for Minnesota Public Radio in 2004. Having led a music station in the iPod world, he brings experience with the innovation needed to serve audiences' broadcast and digital appetites. In addition to creating public radio programming for audiences under the age of 35, he and his team launched numerous online initiatives like The Current's Song of the Day podcast and Musicheads, a music review show that interacts with the audience.
"He joins our news department's leadership team, which is intent on fulfilling the public service mission of Minnesota Public Radio and exceeding audience expectations," said Sarah Lutman, senior vice president, Content and Programming for Minnesota Public Radio | American Public Media.
During the past decade and a half in radio, Nelson has worked as a morning show host, production director and sound engineer for Twin Cities' radio stations. He also served as associate producer for public radio's national arts and culture show Studio 360 at WNYC in New York, where he helped to develop the sound and content of the show from its inception.
Nelson graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism with an emphasis in broadcast media. While at the university, he helped create its music station, Radio K.
This change will be effective with the announcement of a replacement for Nelson's present position leading The Current, which, in spring 2008, enjoyed a weekly audience total of 175,200*, its second-highest total ever. An active national search is underway.
Minnesota Public Radio® operates a 37-station radio network serving virtually all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states and produces programming for radio, Internet and face-to-face audiences. Programs produced by Minnesota Public Radio's parent company, American Public Media,™ reach more than 15 million listeners nationwide each week. Of those, nearly 800,000 listen regionally, in Minnesota and surrounding states. A complete list of stations, programs and additional services can be obtained at www.mpr.org.
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Source: Data are copyright Arbitron, Inc., Nationwide and PSA data. Arbitron data are estimates only. Spring 2007/Fall 2007 average
*Source: Copyright Arbitron, Inc., Metro data, P12+, Spring 2008.
Press Contacts:
Jennifer Haugh
Minnesota Public Radio (News)
651-290-1369
jhaugh@mpr.org
Christina Schmitt
Minnesota Public Radio (The Current)
651-290-1449
cschmitt@mpr.org
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