Conservative media is getting a big shakeup, with Salem Media announcing that Washington, D.C. mainstay Larry O’Connor is taking over its 6-9am time slot every morning starting May 4, the Washington Reporter can exclusively confirm.
Under the new landmark deal, O’Connor’s show will air across the Salem Radio Network and the Salem News Channel, increasing O’Connor’s visibility, and bringing another conservative heavy-hitter even further into the Salem fold.
“I love it when a plan comes together, Townhall Media’s publisher, Jonathan Garthwaite, said of the news. “From his desk at Townhall, plus radio, TV, and podcast studios, Larry is a unique triple threat of news, influence, and personality.”
For over a decade, O’Connor has been a television and radio staple, particularly via the influential WMAL radio station from which he’s helmed his namesake O’Connor and Company show.
“O’Connor has been at the center of the political conversation in Washington, with a daily radio show and podcast followed by lawmakers, White House staff, media figures, and political insiders,” Salem explained in announcing this shift. “In this expanded role, he will help set the tone for the day’s news across Salem’s platforms, delivering timely analysis, impactful interviews, and sharp commentary to a growing national audience.”
Storm Paglia, Townhall Media’s vice president of news and operations, has worked with O’Connor in a variety of capacities for more than ten years, and he called O’Connor “one of the most important and impressive voices of the conservative movement, and finally bringing his tremendous morning show national, tied with our work at Townhall Media, will only make that more true as we fight to save America.”
O’Connor, for his part, remarked that he is “excited to bring O’Connor & Company to a broader national audience while maintaining the strong foundation and audience connection the show has built in Washington.”
“At the same time,” O’Connor continued, “we’re building the future of media across radio, streaming, and digital platforms with Townhall and the Salem News Channel. Salem’s integrated vision aligns perfectly with my work across platforms, including my daily streaming show LARRY, and makes this an incredibly exciting next chapter. I’m also thrilled that my longtime collaborator and executive producer, Heather Hunter, will continue with the program as we expand nationwide.”
Following O’Connor’s daily three hours of radio, he will continue to livestream his hit Townhall show, LARRY, under the new deal as well.
Executives at Salem itself explained why the move is a win from their perspective as well. Phil Boyce, Salem Media’s senior vice president of content, called O’Connor the “go-to media voice for the people shaping policy in our nation’s capital.” O’Connor, Boyce said, “built a show insiders rely on and an audience that cares deeply about the direction of the country. We’re proud to expand that success across our national lineup, leading the conversation every morning across America.”
“The growth of O’Connor & Company reflects the strength of the show and its connection with listeners,” Jeff Boden, Cumulus Media’s vice president and market manager, added. “We’re pleased to see the program reach new audiences while continuing to serve our listeners in Washington each morning.”