Jim Stephens Announces Retirement

Carolina Christian Radio, Inc/Wilmington, NC President and General Manager Jim Stephens announced his retirement. The announcement was made on the morning show today. 

As founder, Jim has been with WWIL/Wilmington (Life 90.3) since 1993 and was the first and only employee when the stationed signed on that year.

After college Jim was involved in “secular” radio until God got a hold of him in 1977. God soon opened the door to go work at a Christian radio station, WPJL in Raleigh, NC where he remained for almost 15 years.

Through a series of miraculous events, God opened the door for Jim to buy 1490 AM in Wilmington, NC in 1992.  Jim says, “It was an off the air station that my wife and I were able to resurrect and we signed on in March, 1993 bringing a contemporary Christian music and teaching station to the Wilmington area.  

Jim’s last day will be June 30, 2021. Jim says he plans to retire to Florida to be closer to our children AND grandkids.

Longtime employee Matt Wall, currently VP Development, will replace Stephens as President/GM of Carolina Christian Radio.  

Jim says… “I’ve never retired before, but everyone I’ve talked to who has retired seems to like it… so I’m excited about retiring and for what the Lord has in store for me and my wife’s future. One of the big concerns when a founder begins to consider retirement is what the transition will look like. God has been very gracious to me in this regard. The Lord has raised up a very well prepared and gifted leader who has already been doing the work of leadership for a number of years. As I leave the ministry, I have perfect peace as Matt Wall will be taking over the position as President of Carolina Christian Radio. The most important aspect of leadership is serving, and he has led, loved and served the staff and has helped us all with renewed vision and excitement in serving listeners. God has His hand on Matt, and as you think of him, pray for him for Godly wisdom and direction. I also have peace because of the great team God has brought together to serve our community. We have incredibly talented people here that love one another and love our listeners. We have great chemistry and we have a lot of fun working together. The past 43 years in Christian radio have been an incredible journey. I’ve seen God do incredible and even impossible miracles. I am forever grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to serve Him through Christian radio both in Raleigh and to finish strong for the past 28 years here in Wilmington.”