David Safar (Photo Nate Ryan)

After an extensive national search, Minnesota Public Radio’s Triple A non-comm The Current (KCMP/Minneapolis) has appointed David Safar to lead the station as Managing Director, a new role that will oversee the long-term strategy, product development, and planning of The Current. As Managing Director, Safar will lead The Current, and will work closely with Program Director Jim McGuinn and Managing Digital Producer Brett Baldwin to align the station’s on-air service with the development of new products, partnerships, and content across The Current’s different platforms, while leading the overall direction of the station.

“In this new leadership role, David will focus on the future and develop new ways to serve our audiences, without taking our sights off of being the best possible music source for our local audiences,” said Nick Kereakos, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MPR’s regional services. “We’ve received such strong support from our audiences throughout the past 15 years and we owe it to them to continue exploring new and better ways to serve them. David’s experience and skills in our industry are a big part of The Current’s success, and we are confident that his leadership will help us continue to grow and serve more audiences.”

A three-time recipient of the Non-Comm Triple A Music Director of the Year award, Safar was promoted to the station’s new role of Head of Music, Artist and Label Relations in January 2019 after serving as Music Director for seven years. He previously served as co-Music Director and Assistant Music Director. Safar joined The Current in 2006 after leading University of Minnesota’s Radio K as program director and music director. Safar earned his juris doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and graduated from University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.

 “The Current has set itself apart by bringing people closer to music and performances they may not otherwise be able to access,” said Safar. “We often hear the question ‘Why doesn’t something like The Current exist in my community?’ and my goal is to reach those communities with our handcrafted approach to music, more often and in new ways.”