Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel Announce Lineup Changes

Rhea-AI Summary

Salem Media Group (OTCQX: SALM) announced significant lineup changes for Salem Radio Network (SRN) and Salem News Channel (SNC) effective January 13th. Hugh Hewitt will move his morning program to afternoons (3-6pm ET), replacing Dr. Sebastian Gorka, who is joining the Trump administration as Deputy Assistant to the President. Chris Stigall, currently hosting mornings in Philadelphia on AM 990, will take over Hewitt's morning slot (6-9am ET) while maintaining his Philadelphia show.

Both shows will be syndicated on SRN and simulcast on SNC, which broadcasts in 56 markets across multiple streaming platforms. Hewitt currently has over 450 affiliates on the Salem Radio Network.

Positive

• Expansion of broadcasting reach with shows simulcast on both radio and TV platforms
• Strong distribution network with SNC available in 56 markets
• Hugh Hewitt's program maintains significant reach with over 450 affiliates

Negative

• Loss of established host Dr. Sebastian Gorka from the afternoon lineup

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Salem Media Group, Inc. (OTCQX: SALM) announced today two lineup changes on Salem Radio Network (“SRN”) and Salem News Channel (“SNC”) that will occur starting Monday, January 13th.

Longtime SRN/SNC host Hugh Hewitt will be moving his popular morning program to afternoons, 3 to 6pm ET, replacing Dr. Sebastian Gorka, who is joining the Trump team at the White House. Gorka will be finishing up a 6-year stint in afternoons, to become President Trump’s new Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism. President Trump lauded Dr. Gorka as “a tireless advocate for the America First Agenda and the MAGA Movement.”

Hewitt will be replaced in the mornings, 6-9am ET, with Chris Stigall, the morning host in Philadelphia on AM 990 The Answer. Stigall has been a local morning host on radio stations from Kansas City to Philadelphia since 2006. Stigall has been working for Salem for the last six years doing mornings in Philadelphia, and will continue there but now across the country, as well.

Both Hewitt and Stigall will not only be syndicated on the Salem Radio Network, but also simulcast on Salem News Channel. SNC is a 24/7 streaming news and opinion television network broadcasting in 56 markets and available on dozens of connected TV streaming platforms including Pluto TV, Samsung TV Plus, Sling TV, and many more.

“While we are sorry to lose a great host in Dr. Gorka, we are delighted to provide these opportunities to Hugh and Chris,” said Salem Senior VP of Spoken Word, Phil Boyce. “This is an exciting time to be doing conservative News and Talk programming. Our listeners are enthused about the new Trump administration, and these two shows will be all over this transition.”

Hugh began his radio career on KFI in Los Angeles in 1990, and spent a decade as co-host of the nightly news and public affairs show on PBS’ Los Angeles affiliate KCET before launching his nationally syndicated show on 8 original stations on July 10, 2000. He moved to mornings in April 2016 and never missed a beat, and today has more than 450 affiliates on the Salem Radio Network.

“I am delighted to make this move to afternoons. Breaking news from Washington DC happens largely during the day, and now I will have the opportunity to provide insight and opinion on the news as it happens,” said Hewitt. Salem is the best conservative media company on the planet, and I look forward to many years driving people home, instead of driving them to work.”

“Salem has become a national leader in conservative media and free speech at a time of great consequences,” said Stigall. “God put it on my heart from a very young age to work in broadcasting. It feels so good to know this extraordinary professional opportunity comes from a management team of God-honoring men and women in Salem. I can't thank my Salem colleagues, sponsors, and listeners enough for their long-time support and I'm so excited to grow our morning family all across the country."

Stations who want to affiliate these shows should contact their Salem affiliate relations representative:

East Coast & Central Region (Minnesota to Louisiana) Affiliate Relations Manager:

Jim Bligh
jbligh@srnradio.com
212-419-4663

West Coast & Midwest Region (North Dakota to Texas) Affiliate Relations Manager:

Kelli DeShan
kdeshan@srnradio.com
972-707-6882

About Salem Media Group:

Salem Media Group is America’s leading multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content, with media properties comprising radio, digital media and book and newsletter publishing. Each day Salem serves a loyal and dedicated audience of listeners and readers numbering in the millions nationally. With its unique programming focus, Salem provides compelling content, fresh commentary and relevant information from some of the most respected figures across the Christian and conservative media landscape. Learn more about Salem Media Group, Inc. at www.salemmedia.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206697004/en/

Company Contact:

Evan D. Masyr

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(805) 384-4512

evan@salemmedia.com

Source: Salem Media Group, Inc.

FAQ

When will Salem Media Group's (SALM) new lineup changes take effect?

The lineup changes for Salem Radio Network and Salem News Channel will take effect on Monday, January 13th.

Who is replacing Hugh Hewitt in SALM's morning slot?

Chris Stigall, the morning host from Philadelphia's AM 990 The Answer, will take over Hugh Hewitt's morning slot from 6-9am ET.

Why is Dr. Sebastian Gorka leaving SALM's afternoon lineup?

Dr. Gorka is leaving to join the Trump administration as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism.

What is Hugh Hewitt's new time slot on SALM's network?

Hugh Hewitt is moving to the afternoon slot from 3-6pm ET, replacing Dr. Sebastian Gorka.