WXPN Launching 'The Greatest Year In Music' On Slacker

Philadelphia's Triple A WXPN 88.5 FM, the  non-commercial radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, is teaming with online music service Slacker Radio for a new Slacker Radio station launching on October 1 that showcases WXPN’s “Greatest Year in Music” campaign.

Slacker Radio’s “Greatest Year in Music” station will feature 7-song segments devoted to music from individual years based on WXPN’s current “Greatest Year in Music” on-air and online campaign.

These will be introduced by XPN DJs and enlivened by audio of news actualities from that year, with a new segment added each weekday throughout the month. XPN hosts will promote the campaign on-air, adding more highlights and context to sets of music from individual years, and directing listeners to various XPN sites for expanded “Greatest Year in Music” experiences. XPN social media followers will also find links to Slacker’s many enhanced, year-specific segments. WXPN has recently been noting the year of release for much of the music it plays, and asking listeners to weigh in on what they think is “the greatest year in music.”

A dedicated page at its website provides extensive music examples, commentary and information about specific years, albums, artists and more.

In November, XPN special programming will highlight the year (and years) that resonated the most. WXPN Assistant Manager for Programming Bruce Warren said, “It is highly unusual for a public radio station to partner directly with a commercial, online music service in this manner. The folks at Slacker are huge fans of and supporters of public radio. This collaboration will provide a tremendous brand extension opportunity for WXPN, and Slacker Radio listeners will enjoy the kind of innovative music content and programming that WXPN is known for. Simply put, both XPN and Slacker have a huge love for music, and together we’re building a unique experience that will get this music presented in this way to more people.”

“We are enormous fans of WXPN and their take on radio — hand-crafted, intelligent and with a distinctive editorial voice,” said Jack Isquith, SVP, Content and Programming at Slacker Radio. “Slacker is thrilled that WXPN recognized our cutting edge technology platform and our highly engaged digital audience, to amplify The Greatest Year In Music.” Slacker Radio will provide home page placement for the “Greatest Year in Music” station, along with Featured Music and Slacker Spotlight sections across its web and mobile sites, and through its newsletter, social media channels, targeted advertising, and more.