WPHT To Launch New Lineup With Chris Stigall Hosting Morning Drive
Michael Smerconish To Contribute Exclusive Live Afternoon Program;
Respected Philadelphia Radio Personality Dom Giordano Takes Over Middays
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- CBS RADIO's The Big Talker 1210 AM announced today an enhanced lineup of personality based programs which will begin to rollout on Monday, January 3, 2011. Leading off the day on-air and online at www.CBSPhilly.com will be one of America's up and coming talk show hosts, Chris Stigall who joins the station from KCMO Talk Radio 710 in Kansas City where he has hosted morning drive since 2006. From 5:30-9:00AM Stigall will discuss local and national policy, the economy, the biggest news stories and issues that affect all Philadelphians, coupled with interviews of the day's news and decision makers.
Stigall's hiring is the result of Michael Smerconish's decision to discontinue his morning program so he can focus on his popular nationally syndicated midday program. He will continue to be heard on WPHT weekdays from 3:00-700PM with the first hour of the show dedicated exclusively to the Philadelphia audience. Smerconish will debut in his new time period on Monday, January 17, 2011.
"Michael has been the crown jewel in WPHT's lineup for many years and we respect his decision to shift his focus to afternoons," said Marc Rayfield, Senior Vice President and Market Manager, CBS RADIO Philadelphia. "We're thrilled he'll remain an important voice on the station, shaping the political dialogue of Philadelphia for many years to come.
"We searched high and low before offering Chris mornings at WPHT. He is a bona fide star who can tackle a variety of issues that relate to his audience. Philadelphians have never been shy about sharing their views which will make for some engaging conversations in morning drive."
Smerconish added, "First and foremost, I wanted to remain on our flagship station WPHT, but to put forth the best program I need to refocus my commitments. This move allows me to continue with my other radio and television opportunities, as well as my books and newspaper columns, while at the same time maintaining contact with my loyal fans in Philadelphia who have been with me since the beginning."
"We are in an exciting and historic time in our country and I couldn't be more proud to be broadcasting in the birthplace of American democracy on the legendary WPHT," said Stigall. "Philadelphia listeners are very discerning, which places a premium on a show that unpacks the news of the day in a thoughtful and entertaining way. Our job is to address the topics on everyone's minds with input from those in the know and the listeners dealing directly with the issues."
Rounding out the daytime schedule launching on Monday, Jan. 17, 2011 is long time Big Talker host Dom Giordano (weekdays, 9:00AM-12:00Noon), and Rush Limbaugh (weekdays, 12:00Noon-3:00PM). Play-by-play coverage of the Phillies will dominate the lineup most weekday evenings when the regular season begins in April 2011. Additional programming will be announced at a later date.
In addition to hosting morning drive at KCMO, Stigall has been a contributor to CNN and serves as a guest host for the country's top radio talk show hosts including Senator Fred Thompson, Michael Savage, Lou Dobbs, Rusty Humphries and Jerry Doyle. He also regularly contributes print and on-line columns for publications across the country. His diverse background also includes Stigall's work as a representative and press assistant to U.S. Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06).
Stigall received a degree in broadcasting and journalism from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville. During that time, he also studied comedy writing and television production as an intern with The Late Show with David Letterman broadcast on the CBS Television Network. Stigall, his wife, Christine, and their three children will relocate to Philadelphia.
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Press Contact: Marc Rayfield
610-949-7800
marc.rayfield@cbsradio.com
