McLaughlin Named PD of WFUV/New York
• Fordham University Triple A WFUV, New York’s source for music discovery, has named Rich McLaughlin as its new Program Director, starting June 14. McLaughlin, a Fordham graduate who currently oversees catalog programming globally for Amazon Music succeeds Rita Houston, who passed away in December 2020 after a 26-year tenure at WFUV.
Poignantly, McLaughlin’s radio career began, under Houston’s mentorship, as a Fordham University student in the late ’90s. “WFUV’s rich history and culture is steeped in its training mission,” said McLaughlin. “The education I received from Rita is evidence of her mission accomplished. Rita taught me that success achieved at the expense of authenticity is failure in disguise. The path she paved allowed for missteps along the way, and always led me back to what’s real. Rita’s spirit, fearlessness, and love of music continues to inspire.”
“Rich is uniquely qualified for this role,” said Chuck Singleton, GM of WFUV. “His accomplishments speak directly to the transition WFUV and the wider industry is experiencing. Rich’s leadership will be a booster shot for our content development and programming outreach to diverse new audiences.” A 2001 graduate of Fordham University, McLaughlin’s first post-undergraduate role was at Sirius Satellite Radio. He was part of the pioneering team that built the company’s original station platform. In addition to programing Sirius’s Alt Nation and Left of Center (now Sirius XMU), McLaughlin helped design The Spectrum, Lithium, Faction, and several other stations. He later worked for iHeartMedia, rising to SVP of Programming, overseeing programming strategy for the network’s digital station platform and led content strategy for the launch of iHeartRadio’s first-ever podcast platform. McLaughlin joined Amazon in 2016 as a Sr. Music Curator, where he designed and executed the original rock programming platform for Amazon Music Unlimited.
“I’m over the moon about joining WFUV as Program Director,” said McLaughlin. “The opportunity to serve a station and university deeply embedded in my DNA is especially meaningful. FUV’s reputation for music discovery is well earned. The depth of industry partnerships with artists, labels, venues, and cultural organizations is extraordinary. The engaged community of music lovers who support its mission as listeners and donors is second to none. I’m grateful for the chance to guide WFUV’s next programming chapter, and I can’t wait to start contributing.” WFUV host Paul Cavalconte will introduce McLaughlin to listeners on Sunday, June 13, at 6pm ET, joining him as guest co-host of Cavalcade.
Singleton added, “I’m grateful to WFUV’s entire team. They’ve done an amazing job of keeping us moving forward in a most difficult year.” WFUV’s four-month, national search attracted a diverse group of more than 60 individuals, and was completed with support from Ann Blinkhorn/Blinkhorn, LLC as well as Mike Henry & Paragon Media Strategies.
