The SoCal Sound’s midday DJ Julie Slater assumes music director duties at the the award-winning, non-commercial radio station. Photo courtesy of The SoCal Sound.

Julie Slater, midday DJ at 88.5-FM, The SoCal Sound, will ensure the award-winning, non-commercial radio station will continue to hit all the right notes as she takes on music director duties at the station.

Slater takes over for former music director and afternoon drive host Andy Chanley, who announced earlier this month that he was leaving take similar duties at Triple-A format (Adult Album Alternative) legacy commercial station WXRT in Chicago.

Slater said she was looking forward to her new role.

“I feel like everything has come full circle for me, and I am in my total dream job,” said Slater, who will continue as The SoCal Sound’s midday host. “Being on air, discovering new music and giving a voice to the LA music scene is what I live for. I am so proud of where SoCal Sound General Manager Patrick Osburn and Program Director ‘Mookie’ Kaczor have taken the station, and I am grateful to be a bigger part of its expanding future.

“I also can’t wait to get my pretty little paws on that ‘add’ button,” she added, referring to opportunities to introduce new music to the station’s listeners.

Marc “Mookie” Kaczor said Slater brings a wealth of radio experience from her work on Los Angeles and Orange County air waves while at The SoCal Sound and other radio stations in the Los Angeles and New York markets.

“We didn’t have to look far to find the best candidate for the music director position,” he said. “Julie is one of the most passionate broadcasters and music fans I know.”

Music lovers who listen to Slater during her regular midday slot of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday will appreciate the “integral role she will be playing in shaping the sound of KCSN and KSBR (the two stations that make up The SoCal Sound),” Kaczor said.

Osburn agreed.

“From New York to LA, Julie Slater has continued to demonstrate she has great chops in front of and behind the mic,” he said. “She will be a great music director.”

He noted that Slater’s role as one of the station’s hosts contributed to The SoCal Sound earning national recognition and winning “Non-Comm Music Station of the Year” honors among outlets in the Triple-A format in unprecedented back-to-back years, in 2022 and 2023.

88.5-FM, The SoCal Sound, is a combined effort of California State University, Northridge, and Saddleback College, which began simulcasting as 88.5-FM in October 2017, linking the Los Angeles County- and Orange County-based signals. The station’s Triple-A programming is available on the KCSN and KSBR 88.5 HD1 channels, via the 88.5 app and online at www.TheSoCalSound.org.

88.5 FM, Julie Slater, The SoCal Sound