The John Clay Wolfe Show is going national in a major way. A new multiyear agreement with iHeartMedia more than doubles the show’s distribution, expanding from 55 stations to 116.
What We Know: Beginning July 11, the four-hour Saturday morning program will air on iHeartMedia stations across the country, including WAXQ-FM in New York, KYSR-FM in Los Angeles, KOSF-FM in San Francisco, and KZPS-FM in Dallas. The show’s live YouTube simulcast continues alongside the expanded radio rollout. Additionally, the show will broadcast live from Jay Leno’s Garage on July 25, with Leno appearing as a special guest.
What They Said: Wolfe credited the show’s longevity to authenticity over format. “For 20 years we’ve never tried to fit into a radio format,” he said. “We’ve simply tried to make people laugh. The cars brought people to the show, but the stories, characters, the guests and the friendships are what kept them coming back every Saturday.” iHeartMedia Division President Eddie Martiny called it “one of the most entertaining and engaging programs in radio.”
What Remains Unclear: Financial terms of the multiyear deal were not disclosed. It is also unclear whether additional affiliate stations are planned beyond the initial 116.
What It Means: This deal stands out as a genuine bright spot for terrestrial radio. At a time when the industry faces ongoing consolidation and cutbacks, a personality-driven show more than doubling its distribution is notable. The Wolfe Show’s growth demonstrates that distinctive, audience-connected content still commands real value on the FM dial.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.