WIXX Icon Murphy Announces Retirement
• Way back in September of 1991, a new morning show launched on Midwest Communications’ heritage Top 40 101.1 WIXX/Green Bay-Appleton-Oshkosh, WI as Jim Murphy returned to his hometown of Green Bay after a 3½ year stint at WLMG/New Orleans. Now, 32 years later, Murphy is moving on to retirement next month.
Jeff McCarthy, VP of Programming for Midwest Communications originally hired Murphy in 1991, and as he recalls, “It was not a smooth beginning. Murphy came from a Soft AC format, and his early presentation on WIXX needed somewhat of an energy boost. MWC owner Duke Wright informed me and WIXX Program Director Dan Stone that we had two weeks to get the show right or changes would be made. Well, 32 years later, I think the show got it right. Murphy is a true friend to all who know him. We will miss him and congratulate him on an amazing journey.”
After that rocky start, Murphy in the Morning has been consistently No. 1 during his three-decade tenure. And speaking of longevity, current co-host Katie Schurk is in her 20th year with the show and Nick Vitrano is in his 12th. Like legendary Green Bay quarterbacks, WIXX keeps it talent for a long time…
Murphy was a fixture on Game Day at Lambeau Field for 28 years and led the Packers’ victory parade after Super Bowl XXXI in New Orleans. In 2018 the Neville Public Museum in Green Bay included Murphy as part of an exhibit that highlighted the 50 most influential people in the 200-year history of Brown County.
“Working on a legendary station for 32 years has been a phenomenal ride,” Murphy said. “I can’t thank Duke Wright and Jeff McCarthy enough for giving me the opportunity many moons ago. I’ve been blessed with amazing co-hosts and co-workers throughout my tenure here at WIXX. Could not have done it without them… especially Katie and Nick. Also, to all the faithful listeners in the Northeast Wisconsin region, thank you for your friendship and loyalty. I will miss them tremendously. Time really does fly. Savor every minute of it.”
Jim Murphy’s final show on WIXX will be on Tuesday, Nov. 28. An official job posting for this extra-rare opening will be coming soon.
