KRLA Creates a New Morning Team in Los Angeles on AM 870 The Answer

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CAMARILLO, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 07/11/12 -- Salem Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: SALM), a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and conservative opinion content, announced today that less than two months after adding Heidi Harris as the morning host on KRLA-AM 870 The Answer in Los Angeles, the addition of two more hosts to join her. "Heidi Harris in the Morning, with Brian Whitman and Ben Shapiro" has already begun on the air, after a two week experiment. The show will continue to air 6 to 9am in LA and also on KRLA's sister station KTIE-AM 590 The Answer in Riverside/San Bernardino.

"We're committed to providing LA's morning commuters with a show that informs, entertains and makes them want to stay in the car once they get into the parking lot at work," said Salem Communications VP/Director of Spoken Word Format, Phil Boyce. "We think that Heidi, Brian and Ben create a unique mix for LA that will do just that."

Joining Heidi Harris, who began April 23rd, are LA veterans Brian Whitman and Ben Shapiro. Brian Whitman has lived in LA the past 15 years, where he co-hosted on KLSX-FM. He is well known as one of the top voice impersonators in the country, getting his start on the legendary Z-100 in New York on the Scott Shannon show when he was still in high school. Ben, 28, is also editor-at-large of Breitbart News. He is a nationally syndicated columnist and the author of four bestselling books, as well as a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School.

"Creating an on-air radio team is tricky, but these guys all developed chemistry and camaraderie instantly. You would think they had been on the air for years together," said Boyce. "Heidi continues to drive the bus on the air, and the guys seem to bring out the best of her many talents."

"When we threw these three people together we honestly weren't sure what would happen, but we knew that each of them brought a unique and important element to the mix," said KRLA/KTIE Program Director Chuck Tyler. "After hearing a week of shows we realized that something very special was coming out of the speakers."

"It's a true honor and pleasure to join the unbelievably talented and fun Heidi Harris on KRLA mornings," said Ben Shapiro. "As a lifelong Angelino, I grew up listening to KRLA, and to get a chance to sit behind the mics alongside Heidi and Brian is a dream come true."

"I am so excited to be returning to the radio on a daily basis in Los Angeles," added Brian Whitman. "I'm thrilled to team up with Heidi Harris and Ben Shapiro. They are both total pros. We do a smart, funny, issue oriented morning show for Southern California," said Whitman.

Heidi Harris was happy to add the new cast members to her new show, adding, "Brian and Ben are passionate about radio, and both bring a variety of life experiences to the show. It's great to have them."

Boyce added that "Salem has grown into one of the top providers of quality News and Talk programming in the country. This lineup on KRLA also benefits from some of the top talk talent in the country like Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Hugh Hewitt, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Miller and Bill Bennett." The new morning show on KRLA and KTIE will "give both markets a chance to include local issues in the mix, with smart passionate hosts who know what they are talking about," concluded Boyce. "The only problem in making this a 3 person morning show was finding a studio big enough, and finding 2 additional parking spaces in the parking garage," said Boyce.

About Salem Communications
Salem Communications Corporation is the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company that provides programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and conservative opinion content, as measured by the number of stations and audience coverage. Upon completion of all announced transactions, the company will own and/or operate a national portfolio of 97 radio stations in 37 markets, including 61 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets. Salem also programs the Family Talk™ Christian-themed talk format on SiriusXM Radio, channel 131.

Salem also owns Salem Radio Network, a national radio network that syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliated radio stations and Salem Media Representatives, a national media advertising sales firm with offices across the country.

In addition to its radio broadcast business, Salem owns an Internet and a publishing division. Salem Web Network is a provider of online Christian and conservative-themed content and streaming and includes websites such as Christian faith focused Christianity.com, Questions and Answers about Jesus Christ at Jesus.org, Christian living focused Crosswalk.com®, online Bible at BibleStudyTools.com, Christian videos at GodTube.com, a leading website providing church media at WorshipHouseMedia.com and Christian radio ministries online at OnePlace.com. Additionally Salem owns conservative news leader Townhall.com® and conservative political blog HotAir.com, providing conservative commentary, news and blogging. Salem Publishing™ circulates Christian and conservative magazines such as Homecoming® The Magazine, YouthWorker Journal™, The Singing News, FaithTalk Magazine, Preaching and Townhall Magazine™. Xulon Press™ is a provider of self publishing services targeting the Christian audience.

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Company Contact
Phil Boyce
Salem Communications
(646) 543-7445
Email Contact

Source: Salem Communications Corporation

Released July 11, 2012