Effective October 1, 2026, Linnae Young will assume the role of President of Broadcast Media while continuing to serve as Salem's Chief Revenue Officer. In her expanded role, Young will oversee Salem's broadcast operations while continuing to lead the company's revenue strategy.

Young has been part of Salem for more than 30 years, serving in leadership positions across sales, revenue development, and broadcast operations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW), one of the broadcasting industry's leading organizations focused on advancing women into leadership roles.

"Linnae has earned the respect of people across this company and throughout our industry," said David Santrella, Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media. "She knows our business inside and out and has been a driving force behind Salem's success for more than three decades. Her leadership has made a lasting impact across Salem, and I'm excited to see her take on this expanded role.”

"It is an honor to step into this role at such an exciting time for Salem," said Young. "Salem is growing in exciting ways. From Salem Creators Agency to Salem Political Solutions, we're finding new ways to serve audiences and partners. I'm excited to help build what's next, and to continue to help develop future leaders."

Also effective October 1, 2026, Jeff Reisman will be promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations, where he will oversee operational leadership across Salem's local broadcast markets nationwide.

During his 22-year career with Salem, Reisman has held a variety of leadership positions, including General Sales Manager, Director of Sales, General Manager of Salem's Chicago market, Regional Vice President, and Senior Vice President. He has earned a reputation throughout the company as a trusted leader and mentor with a deep understanding of Salem's local markets and operations.

"Jeff is a trusted leader in our company and has spent more than two decades serving Salem with excellence," said Santrella. "He understands what makes our local markets successful and has spent years building strong teams and helping people grow. I am confident he will continue to strengthen our broadcast operations and help keep Salem moving forward."

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Salem in this new capacity," said Reisman. "This company has invested in me throughout my career, and I look forward to continuing to support our local markets and the people who make them successful every day."

In conjunction with these leadership changes, Mark Durkin, Senior Vice President, Jeff Mitchell, Regional Vice President, and Chad Gammage, Regional Vice President, will also assume expanded responsibilities supporting Salem.

These appointments follow the previously announced retirement plans of Allen Power and continue Salem's tradition of developing leaders from within.

About Salem Media

Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

Company Contact:
Publicity@salemmedia.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56706649-96a6-47d1-9e22-549ca37e8095
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dd895f36-6b1c-4024-8f50-441515b04963

Linnae Young

President of Broadcast Media

Jeff Reisman

Executive Vice President of Operations

The announcement comes on the 50th anniversary of Power's first day in broadcasting. He began his career on June 15, 1976, and has spent the last 26 years helping lead Salem through a period of significant growth across radio, digital media, and content distribution.

Power joined Salem in 2000 as the company's first General Manager in Atlanta. He later served as Regional Vice President, Senior Vice President, and was named President of Broadcast Media in 2023. Under his leadership, Salem strengthened its position as the nation's leading Christian and conservative media company while expanding its reach across broadcast, digital, and multimedia platforms.

"Allen and I have worked together for nearly 25 years in a variety of roles at Salem," said David Santrella, Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media. "His leadership, his ability to inspire those around him, and his incredible understanding of our business will be missed. Beyond his business accomplishments, he has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to serving others. While we will miss his daily leadership, we are grateful that he will continue serving Salem as a Senior Advisor."

Power reflected on the milestone and his decision to retire, commenting, “Fifty years ago today, on June 15, 1976, I started my first job in broadcasting. I have spent more than half of my career at Salem and it has been such a blessing to devote my efforts to spreading the message of the gospel through broadcasting. I am grateful to the Atsinger and Epperson families, Joe Davis, Dave Santrella and my many wonderful Salem colleagues and ministry partners. After five decades of hard work, the next chapter will be about investing my time and gifts in faith, family, and worthwhile organizations. After a sabbatical, I will decide where and how to do that.”

In addition to his work at Salem, Power has been active in broadcasting industry leadership for decades. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors and previously served as Chairman of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters. Earlier in his career, he served on the Board of the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.

His contributions to the industry have been recognized repeatedly, including being named one of Radio Ink's Top 20 Leaders in Radio in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Power graduated from Furman University and lives with his wife Susan in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. They have two married children and three grandsons. He has also led a weekly Bible study at First Baptist Woodstock for more than 17 years.

Salem will announce additional leadership appointments and succession plans in the coming weeks.

About Salem Media

Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

Company Contact:
Publicity@salemmedia.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3dfd681-fdb8-4bc8-b692-f7eaa2c8a5f7

Allen Power

President of Broadcast Media

About Salem Media
Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

Company Contact:
Publicity@salemmedia.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/39d4b006-f30f-4c44-9660-572e439d7d17

Jason Jackson Jr.

Salem Media Launches Salem Creators Agency, Signs Jason Jackson Jr. as First Client

The program now airs weekday mornings at 7:00 a.m. ET, bringing listeners a fast-moving mix of political commentary, cultural conversation, humor, and audience interaction focused on the issues shaping everyday American life.

Parr spent years as a television news anchor and reporter before moving into talk radio, earning two Emmy nominations during his broadcasting career. Avallone is an attorney, entrepreneur, and pilot who became a U.S. citizen after immigrating from Italy as a child and has gone on to become a nationally recognized conservative commentator and media personality.

Known for their conversational style and sharp perspective, Parr and Avallone have built a growing national audience by creating a bridge between traditional American values and today’s biggest issues. Each episode features special guests, listener call-ins, and thoughtful discussion on the stories shaping the country.

David Howard, General Manager of WWRC/AM 570 The Answer, said the show brings an engaging new voice to the Washington market. “We’re thrilled to bring American Ground Radio to the heart of our nation’s capital,” said Howard. “Stephen and Louis create a space where listeners can engage, be inspired, and find common ground.”

Tune in to American Ground Radio every weekday morning at 7:00 a.m. on WWRC/AM 570 The Answer and visit americangroundradio.com for more information.

About Salem Media

Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

Company Contact:
Publicity@salemmedia.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a7f453b-f72f-4367-9c78-e4c7e41781ff

American Ground Radio Hosts

Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone

The film explores the enduring principles of faith, liberty, and the American spirit through compelling storytelling, historical reflection, and cultural commentary. Through the partnership, Salem Media and Compel Studios will bring the film to audiences nationwide through streaming platforms, churches, and Salem’s extensive multimedia network.

Rob Ellis, General Manager of SalemNOW, said the documentary aligns closely with Salem’s audience and mission.

“By Dawn’s Early Light is exactly the kind of meaningful and culturally relevant storytelling that resonates deeply with our audience,” Ellis said. “We’re excited to partner with Compel Studios to help expand the film’s reach and bring its message to viewers across the country.”

Kyle Justice, President of Compel Studios, said the film arrives at a pivotal cultural moment.

“This film speaks directly to the questions many Americans are asking about the direction of the country and the values that still hold us together,” Justice said. “Partnering with Salem Media gives us an unparalleled platform to connect with audiences seeking inspirational and thought-provoking storytelling.”

The partnership will include coordinated marketing initiatives across Salem’s national radio network, digital platforms, podcasts, and conservative news outlets.

By Dawn's Early Light will premiere May 31 at bydawnsearlylightfilm.com, where audiences can stream the documentary free through Labor Day. Following its free streaming window, the film will become available on SalemNOW and Townhall Media TV.

About Compel Studios

Compel Studios is a film and media company focused on producing and distributing compelling content that inspires audiences through stories rooted in faith, truth, and culture.

About Salem Media

Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

Company Contact: Publicity@salemmedia.com

About Salem Media
Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

Company Contact:
Publicity@salemmedia.com

Under the terms of the agreement, WaterStone will acquire all outstanding shares of Salem Media common stock for $1.00 per share, representing approximately a 250% premium over Salem’s recent trading price.

Edward Atsinger III, Salem co-founder and board member, said finding the right long-term steward for the company was a priority. “For the last ten years the Atsinger and Epperson families have been looking for a successor that would continue to carry the torch of delivering quality Christian and conservative media into the next generation and beyond. When we met with WaterStone, some 24 months ago, we believed it was a divine appointment. WaterStone is deeply aligned with the vision we had when our families founded this company.”

The agreement follows a period of significant momentum for Salem across both broadcast and digital media. While much of the radio industry faced declining advertising revenue of -3.4% in the first quarter, according to Miller Kaplan, Salem posted positive local radio growth of +2.8%, excluding the impact of recently sold stations, outperforming broader industry trends by more than six percentage points through its strong programming, trusted talent, and longstanding relationships with ministries, advertisers, and audiences nationwide.

Salem has also continued expanding its national radio, streaming, and podcast platforms with one of the strongest lineups in conservative media, including voices such as Scott Jennings, Larry O'Connor, Alex Marlow, and Lara Trump, alongside many of the most influential personalities in Christian broadcasting like Greg Laurie, Sean McDowell, Becket Cook, and Kirby Kelly.

David Santrella, Chief Executive Officer of Salem Media, said the partnership was built around long-term alignment and a shared commitment to Salem’s mission. “WaterStone understands who we are and why Salem has mattered for over 50 years,” Santrella said. “This partnership will accelerate our ability to expand the reach of our mission for years to come.”

Over the last 18 months, Salem and WaterStone have worked together on several strategic initiatives tied to the company’s long-term growth and organizational vision. WaterStone’s previous preferred stock investments in Salem gave them 49.5% voting interest in the company.

Today, Salem remains one of the largest Christian and conservative multimedia companies in America, reaching millions of listeners, readers, viewers, and podcast consumers each month through its national radio network, streaming platforms, digital media brands, and publishing platforms.

Richard von Gnechten, Chairman of Salem Media’s Board of Directors and President of WaterStone, said the partnership reflects years of shared vision and alignment between the organizations. “This is about building on what makes Salem unique,” von Gnechten said. “Salem has spent decades earning the trust of listeners, ministries, advertisers, and audiences by staying true to its mission. WaterStone believes deeply in that mission and in the people behind it. This partnership gives Salem additional strength and long-term stability while creating new opportunities to expand its reach for the future - which is why we are making this investment.”

The transaction was unanimously approved by Salem’s Board of Directors and is expected to close in August 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

About Salem Media
Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

About WaterStone
WaterStone is a Christian foundation dedicated to advancing Kingdom impact through faithful stewardship, generosity, and mission-driven leadership. Through its charitable giving strategies and long-term investments, WaterStone partners with individuals, families, ministries, and organizations to support lasting faith-based impact and strengthen the future of Christian institutions and outreach. Learn more at waterstone.org.

Company Contact: Publicity@salemmedia.com

PDF available: https://ml.globenewswire.com/media/80bea083-a723-4080-9b4d-a2c035a80161/document/?v=05122026072400

O’Connor is best known as the host of the highly successful O’Connor & Company morning show on WMAL in Washington, D.C., and as Editor of Townhall.com. As part of this expansion, O’Connor & Company will continue in its longstanding 6:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern time slot on WMAL while also serving as Salem’s flagship national morning program, bringing its trusted voice and insider perspective to audiences nationwide.

For more than a decade, O’Connor has been at the center of the political conversation in Washington, with a daily radio show and podcast followed by lawmakers, White House staff, media figures, and political insiders. In this expanded role, he will help set the tone for the day’s news across Salem’s platforms, delivering timely analysis, impactful interviews, and sharp commentary to a growing national audience.

By aligning O’Connor’s leadership role at Townhall.com with his national radio and television presence—and his growing digital footprint—Salem is further strengthening its integrated, cross-platform content strategy. This move positions O’Connor at the forefront of conservative political discourse while reinforcing Salem Media’s role as a leading destination for news, commentary, and influential voices.

 “Larry is the go-to media voice for the people shaping policy in our nation’s capital,” said Phil Boyce, Senior Vice President of Content at Salem Media. “He’s built a show insiders rely on and an audience that cares deeply about the direction of the country. We’re proud to expand that success across our national lineup, leading the conversation every morning across America.”

From 6:00–9:00 a.m. Eastern, O’Connor & Company will drive coverage of the day’s most important political stories, airing on more than 140 affiliated stations on the Salem Radio Network and simulcast on the Salem News Channel.

 “We’re excited to bring O’Connor & Company to a broader national audience while maintaining the strong foundation and audience connection the show has built in Washington,” said O’Connor. “At the same time, we’re building the future of media across radio, streaming, and digital platforms with Townhall and the Salem News Channel. Salem’s integrated vision aligns perfectly with my work across platforms, including my daily streaming show LARRY, and makes this an incredibly exciting next chapter. I’m also thrilled that my longtime collaborator and executive producer, Heather Hunter, will continue with the program as we expand nationwide.”

“The growth of O’Connor & Company reflects the strength of the show and its connection with listeners,” said Jeff Boden, Vice President and Market Manager at Cumulus Media. “We’re pleased to see the program reach new audiences while continuing to serve our listeners in Washington each morning.”

Following the morning broadcast, O’Connor will host his live digital show, LARRY, streaming at 12:00 p.m. Eastern on YouTube, Rumble, Facebook, and Townhall.com, extending the conversation throughout the day.

With O’Connor anchoring the morning lineup, Salem Media continues to deliver compelling, news-driven programming that informs audiences, challenges mainstream narratives, and holds leaders accountable.

For more information and to watch the Salem News Channel lineup, visit SalemNewsChannel.com.

About Salem Media
Salem Media is America’s premier multimedia company specializing in Christian and conservative content. Through its national radio network, digital platforms, and publishing brands, Salem reaches millions daily with powerful content that drives the national conversation. Learn more at salemmedia.com.

Company Contact:
Publicity@salemmedia.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04a8835d-b4e0-4d98-98ea-87f7e5da84b9

Larry O'Connor

Salem Media Elevating Townhall Editor to Anchor Morning Lineup