There’s something to be said for a radio program that continues growing by doing something remarkably simple: giving listeners the news they need before the day gets away from them. Compass Media Networks’ This Morning America’s First News with Gordon Deal has added 20 affiliates, and some of the newest stations bring considerable broadcasting history to the table.
The additions include Audacy’s legendary 1120 KMOX and 104.1 KMOX-FM in St. Louis, 830 WCCO in Minneapolis, and 101.5 K-Dawn KMXB-HD3 in Las Vegas.
And let’s talk about those call letters for a moment.
KMOX and WCCO aren’t just radio stations. They’re institutions that have spent generations establishing relationships with their communities. Landing a program on signals with that kind of history is something any syndicator should appreciate.
Deal’s nationally syndicated morning news program delivers headlines, business updates, interviews, and analysis designed to help listeners get a handle on what’s happening before they head into their day.
And in a media environment overflowing with opinions, arguments, and people talking over one another, there’s still a considerable audience looking for straightforward information.
What makes this expansion especially interesting is that stations with legendary local news identities are finding value in a national morning news product.
That’s not necessarily a retreat from local radio. When executed properly, national programming can complement local coverage and allow stations to concentrate their resources where they make the biggest difference.
Of course, the challenge is maintaining the local personality and community connection that made these stations important in the first place.
But adding 20 affiliates in today’s broadcasting environment is worth celebrating.
Congratulations to Gordon Deal and the Compass Media Networks team.
While everybody else is trying to become the loudest voice in the morning, Gordon Deal keeps demonstrating that sometimes the most valuable thing radio can offer is a good reason to listen.
And judging by these latest additions, quite a few stations agree.
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