AM 970 The Answer Adds the Legendary Joe Piscopo for Morning Drive

CAMARILLO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/26/14 -- Salem Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: SALM) announced today the legendary Joe Piscopo of Saturday Night Live fame is joining AM 970 The Answer in New York City as the new morning talk host, effective immediately. Piscopo, who starred on the popular NBC program from 1980-84 has been on the air for the station doing the morning show since January 3rd. He is joined on the air by morning show producer Frank Morano and newsman Al Gatullo.

"One of the best things I get to do in this job is find talented people who have accomplished something on one stage and are ready to take on another one," said Salem VP Director of Spoken Word Format Phil Boyce. "Joe is extremely talented on the radio, bringing a level of entertainment to mix with the information that you seldom get to hear. This is a very connected morning show in the nation's top market," said Boyce.

Piscopo has been involved in a variety of projects since he left SNL, and still does a number of nationwide tours with former cast members. In addition to numerous movie appearances, and comedy club gigs, Joe is soon to be featured in a national reality TV show for a major network. But now he loves getting up early and making the trek into Manhattan for the daily radio show, 6-9am, from his home in suburban New Jersey.

"I have my college degree in Broadcasting. I remain a dedicated student of the most intimate medium, radio. And with legendary broadcast giants like GM Jerry Crowley and current day guru of all radio personalities past and present, Phil Boyce, this is the positively perfect storm of talk radio," said Joe. "I honestly believe that this is not only the reinvention, renaissance and revitalization of AM radio, (not to mention a totally new and exciting journey of my career) but the best thing to happen to NY radio since David Sarnoff."

AM 970 The Answer VP/General Manager Jerry Crowley said, "We have had a huge positive reaction to Joe, both from listeners and advertisers, since he joined us. This is going to be a true home run."

Piscopo was recently inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, is involved in a multitude of charities too numerous to mention, and is a dedicated father and family man, living in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. This new morning radio program "Piscopo in the Morning" airs on AM 970 The Answer weekday mornings, 6-9am.

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About Salem Communications

Salem Communications is the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company that provides programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and conservative radio content, as measured by the number of stations and audience coverage. Upon completion of all announced transactions, the company will operate a portfolio of 102 radio stations in 39 markets, including 62 stations in 22 of the top 25 markets. Salem's portfolio includes 40 stations programmed in a Christian talk format, 27 in a conservative talk format, 12 in a contemporary Christian music format, 8 in a Spanish Christian format and 10 in a business talk format. We also program the Family Talk™ Christian-themed talk format on XM Radio, channel 131 and operate ChristianRadio.com and Conservativeradio.com.

Salem also owns Salem Radio Network, a national radio network that syndicates Christian and conservative talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,500 affiliated radio stations, and Salem Media Representatives, a national media advertising sales firm with offices across the country.

Salem operates Salem Web Network, an online provider of Christian and conservative themed news, analysis and commentary. Christian content websites include: Christianity.com, Crosswalk.com®, BibleStudyTools.com, GodTube.com and GodVine.com, WorshipHouseMedia.com and OnePlace.com. Conservative opinion websites include Townhall.com®, HotAir.com, Twitchy.com, Redstate.com and HumanEvents.com.

Salem also owns Regnery Publishing, the country's leading publisher of conservative books. Salem Publishing™ circulates Christian and conservative magazines including Homecoming® YouthWorker Journal™, The Singing News, Preaching and Townhall Magazine™. Xulon Press™ is a provider of self-publishing services targeting the Christian audience.

Company Contact
Phil Boyce
VP/Director, Spoken Word Format
(646) 543-7445
Email Contact

Source: Salem Communications Corporation

Released February 26, 2014