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Minnesota Public Radio Names Jim McGuinn New Program Director for 89.3 The Current
Award winning radio host and program director comes to The Current from WXPN in Philadelphia
November 24, 2008
St. Paul, Minn.—November 24, 2008—Minnesota Public Radio announced today that Jim McGuinn has been named program director for 89.3 The Current. He will assume his new duties in mid-January.
McGuinn comes to The Current from WXPN, the renowned Triple A public radio station in Philadelphia. As the station's afternoon drive-time host, McGuinn is also founder and program director for Y-Rock On XPN—WXPN's Web- and HD-Radio indie music channel. McGuinn has won numerous awards, including Philadelphia Magazine's DJ of the Year (2007), and Radio and Records' AAA Air Personality of the Year (2008).
McGuinn has also won awards for programming innovation and excellence during 15 years of guiding alternative radio outlets in Albany, NY; St. Louis, MO; and Philadelphia, PA. With a wide- and eclectic-musical knowledge, McGuinn has interviewed many nationally known bands including the Foo Fighters, Weezer and The Hold Steady—artists also found on The Current. His experience will help further The Current's mission to serve its audience and bring new listeners to its community.
"We are excited that Jim is coming to MPR to share his expertise with The Current," said Jon McTaggart, chief operating officer, Minnesota Public Radio. "As we continue exploring the best new music and technologies to deliver it, we are confident Jim's leadership and talents will help The Current remain vibrant and relevant for years to come."
As program director for The Current, McGuinn will be in charge of the overall sound and staffing of the station.
"What MPR has done with The Current is build content that is groundbreaking and diverse, not only to the Twin Cities but the entire country—an approach that brings a new audience to public radio," said McGuinn. "The Current is among a small handful of radio stations doing something innovative, unique and fun. For the past few years, The Current has been one of my favorite radio stations in the world. I am honored to join the team that Steve Nelson and MPR have built and look forward to guiding the Current and serving the listeners of the station and the Twin Cities."
Steve Nelson, program director for 89.3 The Current since it launched in 2005, will remain in his position until McGuinn's start date in January 2009. Nelson will then assume his new duties as program director for Minnesota Public Radio News.
More about Jim McGuinn
Jim McGuinn began his radio career in the mid-1980s at WPGU, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, while earning his B.S. in Marketing. He then worked as a DJ and programmer for a series of commercial and non-commercial radio stations—WEQX, Manchester/Albany; KPNT, St. Louis, MO; WPLY (Y100), WDRE and WXPN all in Philadelphia, PA.
McGuinn's musical interests reach beyond radio. He has launched a series of independent music labels with releases by artists such as the Poster Children. He also is a musician who plays guitar, bass, lap steel and mandolin. He and his wife, Christine Weeks, are looking for a place to live in the Twin Cities to raise their baseball- and Beatles-loving son, Jameson.
About 89.3 The Current
Wherever it's heard—on the radio, online or through an iPod—The Current brings listeners the best authentic new music alongside music that explores roots and influences. The Current began broadcasting in 2005 as a non-commercial, member-supported Minnesota Public Radio station based in St. Paul / Minneapolis. Since then, the station has grown into a far-reaching community with members and listeners joining from around the world at thecurrent.org.
Press Contacts:
Christina Schmitt
Minnesota Public Radio
651-290-1449
cschmitt@mpr.org
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