Harcourt Marks 25 Years On SoCal Radio
• Legendary air personality Nic Harcourt, who has been described by music journalists as “the most influential DJ in America,” marks his 25th anniversary on Southern California radio this month, and his colleagues at Triple A 88.5-FM, “The SoCal Sound,“ are celebrating this momentous milestone.
“Nic Harcourt is a regional treasure,” said Patrick Osburn, GM of 88.5-FM, a combined effort of 88.5 KCSN at Cal State Northridge (CSUN), and Saddleback College’s 88.5 KSBR/Mission Viejo. “Nic has always been an expert and wonderful advocate for public/member-supported radio. We are very fortunate to have him.”
Harcourt, who has been called an ultimate musical “tastemaker,” started his tenure on SoCal’s airwaves in 1998 at KCRW/Santa Monica, where he spent a decade as MD and host of Morning Becomes Eclectic, before joining 88.5 in 2012 as morning host. Since 2020, he’s helmed The Morning Show with Nic Harcourt and Jet. In addition to his work with KCRW and KCSN, Harcourt has served as music and culture editor for the Los Angeles Times Magazine and was MTV’s first music supervisor in residence.
“Nic Harcourt is as passionate as ever,” said Marc “Mookie” Kaczor, 88.5-FM PD and evening air talent. “Nic is a great broadcaster, music journalist and mentor. This radio station has hit milestone after milestone, and Nic has been an integral part of 88.5’s growth.”
Coincidentally, Harcourt’s 25th-year celebration happens the week of April 17, during The SoCal Sound’s April membership drive. “I’ve worked around 60 pledge drives through the years,” Harcourt said. “They’re an opportunity to connect directly with the audience, a crucial part of keeping public media in business, and an incredibly important part of the gig. Don’t tell anybody, but I actually enjoy them.”
