The Salem Radio Network announced it will be filling its national midday programming slot with CNN commentator Scott Jennings and Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow, following the September 10 assassination of Charlie Kirk.
New Voices for Conservative Talk Radio
The noon–3pm ET block has long been a key component of conservative talk radio, previously held by Rush Limbaugh and, most recently, Charlie Kirk. Salem’s decision to tap Jennings and Marlow could significantly elevate their profiles within the MAGA media landscape.
Beginning January 5, Marlow will host the noon–1pm hour, while Jennings will take over from 1–3pm. Jennings currently hosts Salem’s 2–3pm hour, following two hours of “The Charlie Kirk Show.” Marlow also hosts a podcast on the Salem Podcast Network and maintains a frequent presence in MAGA media.
Kirk’s Legacy Continues
“The Charlie Kirk Show” will continue as a podcast on the Salem Podcast Network, now co-hosted by Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff of Turning Point USA. Kolvet expressed gratitude for Salem’s cooperation following Kirk’s death, stating the network has been “so gracious through this process.”
Both Jennings and Marlow publicly acknowledged Kirk and the team that maintained his show after his death. Jennings stated, “To my friend Andrew Kolvet and the Turning Point USA team, thank you for your stewardship of Charlie’s radio legacy… These are some of the most important hours in talk radio.” Marlow added, “[I]t was a rare pleasure to be a weekly guest on my friend Charlie Kirk’s show during the last year of his life… I can’t wait to get started.”
Salem anticipates the new shows will be picked up by over 300 radio stations, reaching over 1.2 million listeners weekly, with an additional million expected to tune in via podcasts.
Internal Divisions
The announcement comes at a time of reported internal conflict within the MAGA movement, fueled by conspiracy theories surrounding Kirk’s killing. While both Jennings and Marlow have established audiences, Kirk was seen as a unifying force within the right’s coalition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will host the new shows?
Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow will host the new shows. Marlow will anchor the noon–1pm hour, and Jennings will host from 1–3pm, beginning January 5.
What will happen to “The Charlie Kirk Show”?
“The Charlie Kirk Show” will continue as a podcast on the Salem Podcast Network, co-hosted by Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff.
How many listeners does Salem expect to reach?
Salem anticipates reaching over 1.2 million listeners a week via radio and over a million additional listeners through podcasts.
How will the addition of these hosts impact the broader conservative media landscape?
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