Dan Bongino’s new morning radio show launched this week with more than 280 affiliates. The Bongino Report AM replaced America in the Morning in the Westwood One lineup.
What We Know: The one-hour program starts at 5 AM ET, and Bongino says it opened with a robust station list. Meanwhile, America in the Morning ended last week after 42 years on the air. Jim Bohannon hosted it until 2015, and then John Trout took over and stayed through the final broadcast. As a result, the 5 AM ET slot now belongs to a new host.
What They Said: “By the way, the radio show launched today. 5 AM to 6 AM across the country on 280-something stations.” -Dan Bongino
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear which stations carry the show, since Bongino’s estimate leaves the exact affiliate count open. Likewise, it’s unknown how many America in the Morning affiliates began airing the new program.
What It Means: The launch suggests Westwood One’s confidence in Dan Bongino as a morning draw. Moreover, a debut on 280-plus stations gives him immediate national reach in news/talk radio — a format that prizes strong morning audiences. Ultimately, the move also closes a 42-year chapter in Westwood One’s morning programming. Still, Bongino faces pressure to turn a strong launch into lasting listenership.
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