Philly Radio: WXPN's David Dye Announces Retirement

David Dye

Longtime WXPN 88.5 FM host David Dye announced Monday that he will retire from his role as full-time host and producer of World Cafe. He will remain with the program as a part-time contributor.

Dye, 66, has served as host of the public radio music program since its inception in October 1991, according to philly.com.

He said in a phone interview that the show’s impending 25th anniversary may have played a part in his decision.

“That may have been the feather that pushed me over the edge, but I have been thinking about it for a while,” he said. “It’s been a treadmill for 25 years. I just got tired of waking up at 3 in the morning and panicking about what I was going to do next and making sure the beast got fed.”

"I'm getting a dog," he deadpanned. "It's hard for me at this point to look beyond radio. I'm happy to have some part in it, and that is what's really valuable to me."

World Cafe, which is syndicated on more than 200 public radio stations across the country, will name a new host in March. Dye’s retirement will become effective March 31.

The station plans to honor Dye with musical tributes in the coming months, according to a news release.”

Dye launched his career at WMMR 93.3 FM, as host of a progressive music show. After stints at radio stations in Maine, he returned to Philadelphia to work at WHYY 90.9 FM and then WIOQ 102.1 FM. In 1989, he joined WXPN, where he  headed the launch of a new program, World Cafe, that offered listeners a diverse palette of contemporary music.