WTOP, the highest-grossing radio station in the United States, has fine-tuned its distinct style of delivering traffic and weather updates every ten minutes and sports news at fifteen and forty-five minutes past the hour. However, acknowledging the need for change, the station is implementing modifications to enhance its offerings and better meet the needs of its audience.
In a memo posted on the station’s website by Julia Ziegler, the Director of News and Programming, several changes will commence Feb. 27. WTOP has introduced a new schedule for its sports, money, business, and news segments that will air at different times than before. Sports reports will now air at:25 and:55 past each hour, while money and business segments will air at:10 and:40 past the hour.
According to Ziegler, “WTOP will always be the place you can turn to when news is breaking, but we realize news consumers want more than that — not just from WTOP but from the news industry as a whole.” She added, “it is our commitment to balance out those serious news stories we deliver daily with news about the good things going on in the D.C. region, too. Stories that make you smile, inspire hope and laugh, or are cool.”
In addition, WTOP has decreased the number of commercial breaks per hour, allowing for longer news segments and a more seamless listening experience. WTOP aims to provide its listeners with a better balance of news and compelling stories while continuing to be the go-to place for breaking news.
Ziegler emphasized the station’s transparency and upfront approach, stating that by making these changes public, they sought to be open and honest with their audience. She hopes listeners will appreciate the advanced notice, even if they initially have differing views on the changes. She added, “I have worked for this news organization for the past 20 years and have always appreciated the candid feedback we get from listeners, and it does help us serve you better.”
