Cumulus Nashville’s SuperTalk 99.7 WTN Announces On-Air Lineup Additions and Moves to Offer Enhanced Local News Coverage From 5:00am-7:00pm Monday Through Friday
NASHVILLE, TN – December 4, 2024 – Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) announces that Nashville’s SuperTalk 99.7 WTN (WWTN-FM) has strengthened its weekday news and talk coverage with multiple lineup additions and moves debuting in January of 2025. The powerhouse 100,000-watt News/Talk station and SuperTalk TV (YouTube) is committed to providing the best in news and compelling live and local content, and these exciting lineup changes reflect this dedication to delivering top-notch local news coverage and engaging talk programming to listeners.
On-Air Host Brian Wilson (weekdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm), announced his retirement earlier this month, after a 50-year career in broadcasting that included stints at Fox News and WMAL-FM in Washington, D.C., before landing at SuperTalk 99.7 in 2018. Wilson will continue to contribute to SuperTalk 99.7 in a Host At-Large role.
SuperTalk 99.7’s Matt Murphy steps in as On-Air Host, Afternoon Drive (weekdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm), after hosting weekdays on the station from Noon-3:00pm for the last three years. Murphy joined SuperTalk 99.7 in 2021 after a 19-year stint with Talk 99.5 WZRR in Birmingham, AL, as both Morning Show Host and Program Director.
Joining Cumulus Nashville and the new SuperTalk 99.7 lineup is Chad Benson, who will host a live and local show airing weekdays from Noon to 3:00pm. Benson will continue as host of his syndicated program, “The Chad Benson Show” with Radio America Network.
The station further enhances its news coverage with the addition of veteran broadcast journalist Joan Jones as News Anchor in Morning Drive with current host and 2024 Marconi Winner Dan Mandis. Jones is known for her successful 10-year career as Morning News Anchor for News/Talk station WTOP-FM in Washington, D.C. Current SuperTalk 99.7 News anchor Ken Weaver will continue to cover the News Desk weekday afternoons from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
Allison Warren, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Nashville, said: “We are thrilled to introduce these exciting changes to our lineup at SuperTalk 99.7 WTN. Each addition and shift reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality news and talk programming to our listeners. With a blend of seasoned professionals and fresh voices, we are poised to provide even more engaging and comprehensive coverage for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and connecting with our community in new and meaningful ways.”
Paul Mason, Operations Manager, Titans Radio/104.5 The Zone/SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, said: “Adding highly regarded talents Chad Benson and Joan Jones, along with repositioning Matt Murphy and Ken Weaver – while still getting to still hear Brian Wilson – is a huge win. It’s a great time for our listeners, whether they are consuming us on broadcast radio or on one of our many digital platforms.”
Matt Murphy said: “For the past three years, I’ve considered it a great honor to be a part of such an important and influential brand as Super Talk 99.7 WTN. To be offered the opportunity to entertain and inform listeners in the same chair as greats like Phil Valentine and Brian Wilson is an absolute dream come true. I look forward to building long lasting friendships with the afternoon audience for years to come.”
Chad Benson said: “I’m so excited to be a part of this legendary radio station and to work with an incredible team in an amazing city. I look forward to contributing and building strong connections with both listeners and advertisers.”
About Super Talk 99.7 WWTN-FM
Super Talk 99.7 WTN is Nashville and Middle Tennessee’s premier live and local News/Talk brand. WWTN is Nashville’s source for breaking news, severe weather, and news that is information fueled with hosts who are opinion driven. Super Talk 99.7 WTN’s LIVE and LOCAL Mon-Fri 5AM-7PM lineup is simply unmatched. Starting with Nashville’s Morning News hosted by 2024 Marconi Award Winner Dan Mandis from 5-9am. He is followed by Chris Hand, who brings a unique background to News/Talk coming from the Top 40 and Urban AC formats. Chris gives way to Chad Benson from 12-3PM. Chad is a veteran talk show host having a decade’s experience hosting a National show syndicated through Radio America. Rounding out the lineup is Matt Murphy from 3-7pm. His well-rounded common-sense approach and likability is the perfect companion for our listener during their commute home. The shows on their own are great, but the special chemistry between the 4 during special events is lightening in a bottle! Super Talk 99-7 WTN is also known for its first-class news coverage with veteran anchors Ken Weaver and Joan Jones. From our live broadcasts, on-demand audio, podcasts, social media presence, and Super Talk TV, it is our goal to bring the news and information to the WTN listener wherever they want to consume it! For more information visit https://997wtn.com.
About Cumulus Media
Cumulus Media (NASDAQ: CMLS) is an audio-first media company delivering premium content to over a quarter billion people every month — wherever and whenever they want it. Cumulus Media engages listeners with high-quality local programming through 400 owned-and-operated radio stations across 84 markets; delivers nationally-syndicated sports, news, talk, and entertainment programming from iconic brands including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, Infinity Sports Network, AP News, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and many other world-class partners across more than 9,800 affiliated stations through Westwood One, the largest audio network in America; and inspires listeners through the Cumulus Podcast Network, its rapidly growing network of original podcasts that are smart, entertaining and thought-provoking. Cumulus Media provides advertisers with personal connections, local impact and national reach through broadcast and on-demand digital, mobile, social, and voice-activated platforms, as well as integrated digital marketing services, powerful influencers, full-service audio solutions, industry-leading research and insights, and live event experiences. Cumulus Media is the only audio media company to provide marketers with local and national advertising performance guarantees. For more information visit www.cumulusmedia.com.
Contact: Lisa Dollinger, Dollinger Strategic Communication for Cumulus Media, 512.633.4084, [email protected].