On January 24, 2005, at 9:00 AM CST, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) launched 89.3 The Current, a groundbreaking new station that quickly became a major cultural and musical hub in the region. This new service marked the third major offering from MPR and filled a critical niche as the station’s dedicated alternative music channel. Modeled after successful noncommercial alternative radio stations across the country, The Current was designed to present a diverse mix of contemporary music while prioritizing local artists, with an emphasis on showcasing the rich and vibrant Minnesota music scene. The station’s programming featured a dynamic mix of indie rock, folk, electronic, and experimental genres, with a particularly heavy rotation of local and regional talent, making it a unique platform for emerging voices in the music world.

Before MPR’s acquisition and rebranding of the station, 89.3 FM had been known as WCAL, a station dedicated to classical music. The transition from WCAL to The Current marked a significant shift in programming and audience focus, with MPR working to cultivate a fresh identity and community connection. The launch of The Current was part of MPR’s broader strategy to diversify its offerings and engage with a wider, more youthful demographic, while still maintaining its commitment to high-quality, noncommercial broadcasting. This change not only marked a new era for MPR but also represented a major moment in the landscape of alternative radio, as The Current quickly gained traction as a beloved fixture in the Twin Cities and beyond.