WVXA director stepping down after 25 years on job

Dr. Jim King, “Doc King” to his loyal listeners, has announced he is stepping down as director of broadcasting for WVXU and the X-Star Radio Network December 31. King joined Xavier University in 1976 as its first full-time professional manager of WVXU, then a tiny 10 watt part-time FM station. Since 1976, the station has increased power several times to its current 26,000 watts.

KING ALSO formed the X-Star Radio Network, headquartered at WVXU, which includes seven stations in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, including WVXA in Rogers City. He is a tenured full professor in Xavier’s department for communication arts. “I am extremely proud of the staff and listeners of WVXU who have made the past three decades possible,” said King. “I am also thankful to Xavier University for the freedom it has given us, allowing WVXU to become one of the leading and most innovative public radio stations in America.”

King began his broadcasting career with his own pirate radio station as a youngster growing up in northern Michigan. That experience led him to his first full-time job in radio as a high school sophomore. King earned his B.A. in English literature at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo before going on to earn Master’s degrees in English literature and ancient history. King earned his PhD in radio/TV/film from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After completing his doctoral program, King accepted an offer to teach audio at the University of Cincinnati. He was a faculty member at UC from 1973 until he made the move to Xavier in 1

KING AND WVXU have made a name for themselves with alternative programming that includes old time radio broadcasts such as “Jack Benny,” ”Fibber McGee” and ”The Shadow” as well as ”Audiosyncrasies,” a local music program described as ”adult, acoustic and alternative.” In reflecting on his move back to the academic side of the university King noted: “It seems like the right thing to do at the right time. I began my professional career as a professor and I look forward to the ‘circularity’ of ending my career as it had begun.”

Vickie Jones, who has worked side by side with King as director for administration and public affairs at WVXU since 1996, will fill King’s position. Jones currently manages the day-to-day operation of the station. She has been at Xavier for 20 years, serving as director for public relations from 1984-1996.