The Current To Launch New Station in Duluth

Jan 20, 2016

Cementing its strong relationship with the area's music scene and its countless fans from Duluth to points north and east, The Current will broadcast on 90.9 FM and 100.5 WSCN HD-2, beginning Monday, February 1.

"The Current has always had a special relationship with Duluth - its vibrant music scene and the community of music-loving fans," said Jim McGuinn, program director for The Current. "Duluth is at the center of northern Minnesota's burgeoning music scene, and we want to support what makes the music community thrive - whether it means giving a band their first spin on the radio, promoting their first gig, or helping spread the word for their first tour."

"Our listeners have told us for years they wanted The Current in Duluth," said Patty Mester, MPR's Duluth regional manager. "We are thrilled that we are finally able to provide The Current to our Twin Ports audiences."

In addition, The Current will hire a Duluth-based radio personality who will host a weekly Duluth Local Music show with the opportunity to create additional programming specific to the region. This position will play a key role in connecting and collaborating with the music community, creating deep relationships with artists, venues and community leaders. Funding for the Duluth Local Music show and its host are made possible by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Interested individuals can apply at americanpublicmedia.org/careers. The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 14.

"Since the station's launch in 2005, we've supported the area artists like Low, Trampled by Turtles, Charlie Parr, Southwire, Tin Can Gin, Actual Wolf, Red Mountain, and Sarah Krueger," said Lindsay Kimball, assistant program director for The Current. "And now, with a presence on the dial in Duluth and the hiring of a Duluth host, we'll be even better positioned to discover the next generation of artists coming out of Duluth, the North Shore and the Iron Range."

Fans of The Current who would like their own 90.9 The Current bumper sticker cling can sign up at thecurrent.org/Duluth Plans for a large-scale community event to celebrate the new station are underway and will be announced in March.