Joe McGranaghan

Inducted 2011

Joe McGranaghan knew, from a very early age, that broadcasting was to be his lifetime passion.  While in Junior High School, Mr. McGranaghan started a weekly school report on WKBO radio, Harrisburg.  He also co-wrote and produced a weekly comedy program on WKBO and was featured on the locally produced “Bandstand” show on WCMB TV, Harrisburg.

Upon graduation from William Penn High School, Joe was hired full time as an announcer and news reporter on WKBO.  In 1964 he became Program Director for WCBG radio, Chambersburg, Pa. He was an early pioneer of the Adult Contemporary format.  Four years later, he was General Manager and thus began a 43 year relationship with the PAB.

By 1974, Mr. McGranaghan was Vice President/GM of WHJB and WOKU in Greensburg, Pa.  Within a few years WHJB was the highest rated suburban Pittsburgh station.  In 1978 Joe was named Executive Vice President of Sunbury Broadcasting and soon was overseeing WKOK AM/FM and WQKX FM.

Joe was also a pioneer in the use of computers for station billing and accounting.  He was named President of Sunbury Broadcasting in 1994.

In 2003 he was named President of the Media Services Division for Sunbury Broadcasting, a position he held until his 2008 retirement.

Mr. McGranaghan has always been involved in public service.  He is currently the Mayor of Shamokin Dam.  He sits on the Boards of numerous civic organizations and has won many, many awards for his leadership and service to others.

It was during Mr. McGranaghan’s Joint Chairman’s term with the PAB, that the organization created its Hall of Fame. He is a 1994 PAB Broadcaster of the Year.

A 50 year veteran of broadcasting, Joe McGranaghan currently serves the Commonwealth and broadcast industry as Co-Chairman of Pennsylvania’s Emergency Communications Committee.