Public radio station 88.5 The SoCal Sound has a new video series. “The Pinfield Sessions” pairs live music performances with in-depth artist conversations, hosted by legendary DJ Matt Pinfield.
What we know: The series films at CSUN’s world-class public radio studios. Additionally, it marks one year since Pinfield returned to the station. He currently hosts “The Matt Pinfield Show” weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. Early sessions have featured Grant-Lee Phillips, Amanda Shires, Bleachers, Spiritual Cramp, and KT Tunstall.
What’s at stake: Public radio competes fiercely for audience attention in a crowded media landscape. Moreover, video content drives discovery and listener loyalty more than ever before. Pinfield built his reputation at MTV hosting “120 Minutes,” giving the station a credible, recognizable on-camera presence. Consequently, the series directly strengthens The SoCal Sound’s multiplatform identity and donor appeal.
What remains unclear: The release cadence beyond the initial May rollout hasn’t been confirmed publicly. Furthermore, no details exist yet about a potential national distribution push or podcast spinoff. How the sessions will be promoted across The SoCal Sound’s social channels also remains to be seen.
What it means: This move signals that public radio isn’t standing still. Instead, stations like The SoCal Sound are actively investing in video to stay culturally relevant. For Pinfield, ultimately, it’s a meaningful platform revival built around what he does best — connecting deeply with artists and music fans alike.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.
