SoCal Radio: Matt Pinfield Returns To Air Friday

Matt Pinfield

Legendary DJ and TV host Matt Pinfield is set to return to 88.5-FM, The SoCal Sound, joining Marc “Mookie” Kaczor on “The Drive” on Friday, May 30, at 5 p.m. 

Pinfield’s new program, “The Matt Pinfield Show,” will premiere on Monday, June 2, airing weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m.

Kaczor, the station’s program director, praised Pinfield’s lifelong passion for music, from spinning vinyl as a youth to becoming a household name on MTV’s top shows. “He’s a tastemaker, an artist advocate, and a friend. I can’t wait for his return,” Kaczor said.

After stepping away in January for health reasons, Pinfield expressed excitement about his comeback. “I’m thrilled to be back, talking music and doing what I love,” he said. “I woke up from a coma quoting lyrics, grateful to be alive and eager to reconnect with friends, family, and coworkers.”

Station General Manager Patrick Osburn called Pinfield a “cat with nine lives,” adding, “We’re thrilled to have him back in our prime-time lineup. Tune in May 30 to hear Matt and Mookie share his story and play great music.”

Pinfield, who joined The SoCal Sound in 2024, gained fame as an MTV VJ, hosting “120 Minutes” from 1995 to 1999 and 2011 to 2013 on MTV2. Starting as a radio and club DJ in the 1980s New Jersey alternative rock scene, he worked at WHTG, later becoming its music director and earning awards before joining MTV. He also served as vice president of A&R at Columbia Records from 2001 to 2006 and has since worked with various radio and TV networks.

88.5-FM, a collaboration between CSUN and Saddleback College, offers Triple-A programming on KCSN and KSBR 88.5 HD1, the 88.5 app, and www.TheSoCalSound.org.