In a move that could reshape the landscape of Baltimore’s public media scene, Maxie Jackson has been appointed as the new Program Director overseeing WYPR 88.1 FM, Baltimore’s flagship public news and talk station, along with WTMD 89.7 FM in Towson. This announcement sparks curiosity about how Jackson’s extensive experience will influence the future of local programming—and whether his fresh perspective will bring new life to these well-established outlets.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Jackson’s career spans a broad spectrum of influential roles in public broadcasting, from leading Milwaukee’s AAA station WYMS as Executive Director until January 2025, to key leadership positions at New England Public Media, the Pacifica Foundation, and several other prominent stations. His background also includes roles such as Station Manager at Cleveland’s WCPN, President and CEO of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, and senior program development positions at New York Public Radio. Notably, he’s worked as Program Director at WETA-FM in Washington, DC, and as General Manager at WEAA Baltimore—bringing a wealth of experience directly relevant to the city he’s now serving.
Jackson expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, emphasizing the importance of public radio reflecting the richness and diversity of its community. 'Public radio is at its best when it mirrors the depth, complexity, and creativity of the communities it serves,' he said. He sees Baltimore as a city bursting with stories, culture, and voices, and he’s eager to craft programming that celebrates and elevates all those elements.
Baltimore Public Media’s President and General Manager, Craig Swagler, shared his excitement about Jackson’s appointment, highlighting Jackson’s innovative programming approach, dedication to diverse audiences, and proven track record of creating impactful, mission-driven content. Swagler believes Jackson’s leadership is perfectly timed for the organization’s ongoing growth and evolution.
Adding to the enthusiasm, Chief of Content Danyell Irby highlighted her familiarity with Jackson’s work and her anticipation of the creative ideas he’ll bring. She’s confident that his expertise will help align the station’s programming with BPM’s broader goals of delivering compelling news, music, and cultural content.
Jackson is taking over from Jonathan Blakely, who left the organization last month, signaling a new chapter for Baltimore Public Media. Will Jackson’s wealth of experience spark a transformation that resonates deeply with the community? Or will his approach challenge traditional programming norms in unexpected ways? What do you think about this leadership shift—and how it might shape the future of public radio in Baltimore? Feel free to share your thoughts or disagreements in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
