People You Need to Know: David Levin

David Levin

David Levin, general manager for KVMR-FM in Nevada City or 89.5 on your dial

David Levin has been the general manager at KVMR since 2006. Before coming to Nevada City, he was the the vice president and general manager of WFMT and The WFMT Radio Networks in Chicago where he lead the creation of satellite-delivered jazz and classical music format services. He also has worked as the station manager of WILL-AM and FM at the University of Illinois. His wife, Lotus, is a massage therapist and a yoga instructor.


Why did you decide to take the job as general manager of KVMR?

 The challenge of working in a diverse broadcast environment and taking a great community radio station to the next, even greater level weighed heavily on my decision. I was quite impressed with our board and staff and their commitment to grow KVMR. The KVMR board's analogy was that the station had reached its latent teens and wanted their new General Manager to take it to the next level of maturity.  I was thrilled to be given the task and proud of the accomplishments we are making every day. KVMR has grown to be recognized as one of the leading community radio stations in the nation with over 700 active volunteers, 150 of which are volunteer broadcasters.

 How has KVMR changed since you became the general manager?

 My goal is less to change the station, but more to make it the absolute best radio companion it can be. While change is an inevitable fact of life, we strive to make KVMR the true “theater of the mind.” As our mission statement says: “KVMR builds community by bringing people together to celebrate the music of the world and give voice to the community.”
   We constantly tweak our program schedule, based upon audience data and listener surveys. That process works exceedingly well because KVMR is fortunate enough to have a Program Committee comprised of listeners and broadcasters constantly reviewing our programming.

What is the future for KVMR?

Today's technologies allow KVMR a global-audience reach which we already enjoy via  www.kvmr.org. We'll be expanding our web presence and better utilizing the talents of our volunteer broadcasters. You'll soon hear about KVMR 2, an exciting new venture that will give listeners even more programming options.

 How are your fund-raising events going this year?

 Considering the current economic environment, I'm pleased to report that KVMR is doing exceedingly well. We've not been without our challenges. We're very prudent as to how we spend contributed income. We've cut back where we have had to. We've been very careful, though, that such cutbacks not affect what listeners hear when they tune in KVMR 89.5.

  One of KVMR's s most significant fund raising events is coming up in October. The 13th Annual KVMR Celtic Festival offers two days of wonderful entertainment and education bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds in a magical setting of music, dance, sports, history and culture.

  What has surprised you the most about Nevada City?

 My most pleasant surprise has been the amazing devotion of KVMR's listeners.

 Do you miss Chicago much?

 It would be hard to say I don't. I lived there quite a few years and made many friends. I miss them, but know they are an e-mail or phone call away.  I've even had the pleasure of showing some of them this wonderful area we live in. It may not be too long before we see a contingency of Chicagoans moving to the Sierra Foothills!