Philly Radio: Market Vet Jim McGuinn Returns To WXPN

Jim McGuinn

Triple-A WXPN 88.5 FM, the member-supported, public radio service of the University of Pennsylvania, announced today that Jim McGuinn has joined as Assistant Program Director. He will assume his new duties the week of September 12.

A recognized leader in modern rock and triple A radio programming, McGuinn returns to WXPN from Minneapolis Public Radio’s 89.3 The Current, where he joined as Program Director in early 2009 after serving as WXPN’s afternoon on-air host and Program Director of Y-Rock on XPN online radio station.

Reporting to WXPN Assistant Station Manager for Programming Bruce Warren, McGuinn will be responsible for managing the staff to work towards the overall sound and quality of WXPN’s non-commercial, triple A music service on radio and digital platforms, and.collaborating with other departments to help achieve audience, revenue and organizational goals. He will also be a primary back-up on-air host.

“Jim is uniquely qualified to help further WXPN’s mission in serving and developing its audience,” said Warren. “His track record demonstrates tremendous success in deepening engagement and listenership, and in discovering and promoting new on-air and music talent. He knows and understands this format, this market and our listeners, and I’m sure the XPN community joins me in welcoming him home to Philly.”

Prior to WXPN, McGuinn was known to Philadelphia-area listeners as Program Director for modern rock WDRE and its successor, WPLY (Y100) from 1995 to 2005, where he first paired 2021 Radio Hall of Fame inductees Preston & Steve as co-hosts. He previously served as Program Director for KPNT/St. Louis and WEQX/Manchester-Albany. McGuinn got his start in radio at his college station, WPGU/Champaign, while earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

As a sought-after thought leader, McGuinn regularly shares his experiences and insights in radio industry media and events, and has been honored with awards including Philadelphia Magazine’s DJ of the Year, FMQB’s Best Triple A Air Personality and Non-Commercial Triple A Program Director of the Year, and Album Network’s and FMQB’s Most Innovative Program Director, among others. His musical interests extend beyond radio: As a multi-instrumentalist, he’s played in bands including Twin Cities-based Saint Small and Philly band Cordalene, among others, and has launched several independent music labels.

“My time at WXPN launched me into the non-comm radio world, and I took those fundamentals with me to help grow The Current,” said McGuinn. “It’s rare to get the opportunity to return to a place that’s as innovative and beloved nationally as WXPN. Coming back every year for the NON-COMMvention and encountering that warm embrace from the family made up of the XPN staff, volunteers, and listeners felt like coming home. Now it’s full circle to be able to contribute my skills and knowledge to XPN’s future, and help it continue to grow as a hub and destination for music fans and artists to congregate and connect.”

Originally from the Chicago area, McGuinn is relocating to Philadelphia with his wife, Christine Weeks, and teen son Jameson.