A Familiar Face Steers the Ship at WFUV
There's something about returning to your roots that often feels like coming home. For Rich McLaughlin, taking over as general manager of WFUV is like slipping into a well-worn pair of shoes. He's known the rhythms and quirks of this place since his college days at Fordham, and now he's at the helm, guiding this beloved New York station forward.
Championing Music and Mentorship
Over the decades, WFUV has been more than just a station; it's been a launchpad for talents, both musical and journalistic. McLaughlin himself sauntered through those halls as a student, and now he's back, ready to take this ship through the next chapter of its journey. He's got a mind brimming with the kind of ideas only a quarter-century in broadcasting can cultivate. The station boasts over 400,000 keen-eared listeners who religiously tune in every week. That's no small feat, and McLaughlin's eyes are firmly set on amplifying that reach with fresh innovation and stubbornly sticking to the powerful ethos of music discovery.
Revamping with Experience and Vision
"We have an incredible team, a passionately loyal community of listeners, and a vibrant connection to New York's cultural fabric," McLaughlin enthuses.
His statement isn't just lip service. Having clocked years at heavy-hitter places like Amazon Music and iHeartRadio, McLaughlin knows the lay of the media land. From sculpting Sirius Satellite Radio's original content to programming national hits, he's got the goods to drive WFUV forward while maintaining its cornerstone identity. It's a delicate dance between evolution and tradition, one that's befitting a guy who helped pull WFUV kicking and screaming into the modern digital age since his return in 2021.
The Impact of a Strong Foundation
The roots run deep with McLaughlin—Fordham University is not just an alma mater but also a testing ground for his early aspirations. Earning his stripes with a bachelor's in communications and later an Executive MBA from Fordham, he's been equipped with both street-smart instincts and strategic sagacity. As associate general manager, he crafted the station's direction, focusing on strategy, partnerships, and content innovation—no small potatoes considering the station's long heritage of non-commercial, member-supported service.
Pushing for Growth and Creativity
- Reaching 400,000 weekly listeners and driving over $4 million in membership revenue is a testament to the draw of authentic, pulsating playlist curation that speaks directly to its base.
- McLaughlin's knack for fostering an environment ripe for music discovery, paired with mentoring students, makes for a dynamic workplace where creativity thrives.
- As interim GM since July 2026, he's already proven he can handle the turbulence of leadership aboard the radio waves.
With public media in New York being no easy battlefield, McLaughlin's deep ties and extensive resume will be his greatest weapons. WFUV remains a bedrock for the culturally rich and musically diverse tapestry of New York, and he's set to steer it with an extra layer of finesse and vigor.
Looking Ahead
So, what does the future hold under McLaughlin's command? It's hard to chart an exact course, but if history has any say in the matter, he'll lean into what WFUV does best while sprinkling in fresh ideas and audacious innovation. The station not only represents a revered hub for adult album alternative music but also a robust platform for award-winning local news and sports.
Embracing his past while charging forward, McLaughlin appears more than ready to keep WFUV as a staple of New York's airwaves, ensuring that listeners, students, and anyone who happens across their dials are in for a soundtrack that resonates—no static, just pure, unadulterated discovery.
