Salem launches 98.9 FM The Answer

Salem Communications is adding another NewsTalk radio station to its stable of talk stations around the country beginning 11/1. 98.9 FM The Answer is now born in Columbus, Ohio — the 34th largest market, with the LMA of WJKR-FM (Adult Hits/Hot AC) Jack-FM) from Radio One Licenses. The new talker will be the 25th NewsTalk radio station owned by Salem.

“Salem has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the Columbus community. We’re excited to deepen our connection in this market with our acquisition of a strong FM signal where listeners can be informed by our faculty of nationally syndicated hosts,” said Dave Santrella, President of Salem’s Radio division.

“I can’t think of a better time to launch a NewsTalk station than right now, in Ohio the biggest of all battleground states,” said Tom Heyl, General Manager for Columbus. “Columbus is ready for a contemporary NewsTalk radio station relevant to today’s culture.”

“This will be the 5th ‘Answer’ station we have launched at Salem, along with New York, Los Angeles, Riverside and Dallas,” said Phil Boyce Salem’s VP/Director, Spoken Word Format. “Salem continues to be a leader in the NewsTalk format, and this new station will be the first FM NewsTalk station in the company fold. The Answer imaging voiced by legendary Lonnie Perkins will sound great coming out of an FM speaker.”

The station will feature the Salem staple lineup of Bill Bennett’s Morning In America 6-9am, Mike Gallagher 9am to Noon, Dennis Prager Noon to 3pm, Michael Medved 3pm to 6pm, Hugh Hewitt 6 to 9pm, Dial Global’s Dennis Miller 9pm to midnight with Compass Media’s Lars Larson Midnight to 3am.