Some hires fill a shift.
Others reinforce a philosophy.
Jeremy “Otis” Maher, one of Atlanta radio’s most recognizable personalities, has joined Cox Media Group’s B98.5 (WSB-FM) as the station’s new nighttime host, adding another experienced local voice to the station’s on-air lineup. The move also reunites Maher with a company where he is already serving behind the scenes as Production Manager for CMG Atlanta Radio.
Otis brings more than two decades of experience across multiple major markets and formats. Before joining Cox Media Group, he spent several years with iHeartMedia in Atlanta, where he was heard on both Country and Top 40 stations while also serving in programming leadership. Beyond radio, Atlanta sports fans know him from his work as the in-game host for the Atlanta Braves, further strengthening his connection to the city.
His career has included programming and on-air leadership positions in Louisville, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Madison, South Bend, and Bloomington, giving him experience that spans both personality-driven radio and strategic programming.
With Otis taking over evenings, B98.5’s weekday schedule is now built entirely around local Atlanta personalities—a notable commitment at a time when many broadcasters continue to rely on syndicated or voice-tracked programming for off-peak hours.
Here’s the alternative perspective.
This isn’t just another talent hire.
It’s another reminder that local radio is becoming a competitive advantage again.
For years, the industry’s conversation centered on consolidation, syndication, and doing more with fewer people. But as digital audio platforms continue to multiply, stations are rediscovering something streaming services can’t easily replicate:
A genuine connection to the community.
Listeners recognize voices that have been part of their city for years. They know the personalities who have emceed local events, cheered on hometown teams, and shared in the moments that make a market unique.
That’s exactly what Otis brings.
There’s another trend worth watching.
Cox Media Group has recently made several moves that emphasize audience growth, content development, and investment in local brands. Adding an established Atlanta personality to a key daypart fits neatly into that broader strategy of strengthening live, market-specific programming rather than simply filling airtime.
For B98.5, the hire is more than a new evening host.
It’s another signal that in today’s audio landscape, being local may be one of radio’s strongest differentiators.
#JeremyOtisMaher #Otis #B985 #WSBFM #CoxMediaGroup #AtlantaRadio #LocalRadio #NightShow #RadioProgramming #Broadcasting #RadioTalent #RadioNews #OnTheDial
On The Dial covers breaking radio industry news, including layoffs, programming changes, talent moves, and broadcast trends across the United States.