Bonneville Pairs St. James and Gaydos; Adds New Midday Show on KTAR-FM
Bonneville Phoenix makes changes to its daily programming on news/talk KTAR-FM “News 92.3 FM,” effective February 5. The station moves Chad Benson from his afternoon drive co-host role to evenings and brings Phoenix market pro Bruce St. James and former KTAR personality aboard to co-host the PM drive show with Larry Gaydos. At the same time, the station adds a new midday program hosted by talk
radio pros Chris Merrill and Joe Huizenga. Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch says, “We are thrilled to add new shows that will keep our community informed and connected at such an important time. In addition to being one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in the country, Phoenix is also the epicenter of the 2024 election with Arizona being a key battleground state.” St. James served with KTAR-FM from 2010-2020. Merrill hosted a local show on the station from 2014-2017. Huizenga is currently the assistant program director and is a familiar voice as a fill-in host. Station PD Martha Maurer adds, “I am excited to welcome back Bruce and introduce Chris and Joe to our already impressive news and talk teams. This new lineup will bring exciting new energy and depth to our live and local coverage, both on-air and on our growing digital platforms.”
re-join WIP once a successor is named. Audacy says a nationwide search is currently underway. The WIP co-host position opened after Jon Marks announced his exit from the station for personal reasons in December. Audacy Philadelphia SVP and market manager David Yadgaroff says, “We’re very excited to bring Spike home to Philadelphia and SportsRadio 94WIP. This is a unique opportunity to add a great talent with a long history in our marketplace to one of our most popular dayparts, and we’re looking forward to having Spike reunite with his longtime friend and colleague Ike Reese and Jack Fritz to shape the future of afternoon drive at WIP.” Eskin comments, “I am thrilled to be able to work with Ike and Jack in afternoons at 94WIP. It’s now the third job of a lifetime I’ve had the opportunity to do. Leaving WFAN and CBS Sports Radio is an incredibly difficult decision. I’m surrounded by talented, great people, and it’s been an amazing experience. I’d like to thank David Yadgaroff, Jeff Sottolano and Rod Lakin for this opportunity, and Chris Oliviero for my time in New York.”
director of operations and sports programming Chase McCabe (left). Middle Tennessee State alum Dubin was an original host on “The Game” when the station flipped to sports talk in 2012. He has also hosted programs on WNSR-AM, WKRN-TV, and WSMV-TV. McCabe says, “This is a surreal moment for me. After being able to watch Joe on TV, intern with him and then produce his shows on “The Game,” I am thrilled to be able to finally co-host with him. Joe is one of my mentors who always taught me to laugh and we will be doing a lot of that each weekday. I’m so glad to have him back on the team.” 
alongside Atiba Buchanan. Hill takes over for Kimberly Egonmwan who left the show to run for political office. WVON says, “Hill is a 30-year veteran journalist and a fixture in Chicago media. Her knowledge of local stakeholders, politics, and social issues makes her an asset to WVON’s news/talk format.” Hill adds, “WVON has such a rich history of being a force and a voice in Chicago this just seems right. I look forward to being part of the next generation of storytellers.”
positions in audio, and involves personalized conversations with a vast network of high-level radio executives and experts to help advance a career within the radio/audio industry. Dowdy is a regional content director who works with nine Townsquare Media markets in the Southeastern United States. During her career she’s also been a morning show co-host, award-winning news reporter, brand manager, promotions director, and midday host. MIW board president Ruth Presslaff says, “This year we had more applicants and more high-quality applicants than ever before. Meg’s dedication to her future, to the business and to paying her success forward was very impressive. We can’t wait to start working with her.”
complement Manny Munoz. The ideal candidate will be well-rounded and well-informed. They must be passionate about South Florida, news savvy, and have a strong interest in current events, politics, and lifestyle issues affecting their target audience. A strong digital platform and social media skills are vital for this role. In addition, all candidates must be proactive and work well in a team environment.
an NFL prospect who played football at the University of Virginia and Texas Southern University. Norfleet worked for the Houston Texans and the Houston Rockets before transitioning into broadcasting as a host, analyst, and sideline reporter. iHeartMedia Houston director of AM programming Bryan Erickson says, “Stan brings amazing passion to everything he does. He has strong local ties and we’re thrilled to add him to the team.” Norfleet comments, “It is a tremendous blessing and honor to join the renowned iHeartMedia Houston family. I have long been a fan and avid listener of ‘Sportstalk 790’ and respect the history and contributions of its personalities. My affinity for Space City spans nearly two decades and I look forward to connecting with old friends and new listeners in the market.”
