Salem Radio Network announced a major programming shift that reshuffles its weekday talk radio lineup, with CNN political contributor Scott Jennings stepping into expanded airtime previously occupied by Charlie Kirk’s program.
The network revealed that Jennings will take over a two-hour block from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays starting Jan. 5.
This represents an expansion from his current one-hour program that airs at 2:00 p.m.
Alex Marlow, who serves as editor-in-chief at Breitbart News, will fill the noon to 1:00 p.m. time slot.
Together, the two hosts will command the critical midday hours that once belonged to conservative radio legend Rush Limbaugh, who dominated the noon to 3:00 p.m. window for decades until his passing in 2021.
The programming adjustment comes as “The Charlie Kirk Show,” previously co-hosted by Turning Point USA’s Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff, transitions exclusively to the Salem Podcast Network.
The show will continue as a podcast rather than maintaining its radio presence, Axios reported on Wednesday.
Jennings acknowledged the transition on social media, directing his comments toward Kolvet and the Turning Point USA organization.
“To my friend Andrew Kolvet and the Turning Point USA team, thank you for your stewardship of Charlie’s radio legacy… These are some of the most important hours in talk radio,” he wrote.
Kolvet addressed Salem’s programming decision, stating that “ultimately we agreed that Alex and Scott were the perfect hosts to take over on the radio portion” while “The Charlie Kirk Show” continues in podcast form.
He emphasized that “while some of the details around how we want to distribute the show will change, our friendship and trust in Salem does not.”
A Salem representative provided projections about the new lineup’s anticipated reach.
The network expects over 300 radio stations to carry the programs, delivering content to more than 1.2 million weekly listeners.
An additional million-plus listeners are projected to access the shows through podcast platforms.
Jennings brings substantial political experience to his expanded role.
He previously worked as a White House aide during the George W. Bush administration and participated in both of Bush’s successful presidential campaigns.
His visibility has increased significantly through his role as a senior political contributor at CNN.
According to Axios, “Jennings’ profile has surged in recent years, fueled by his combative CNN appearances defending President Trump in clashes with liberal co-panelists.”
During a recent appearance at Liberty University in Virginia, Jennings delivered remarks that aligned with conservative messaging about Western civilization’s foundations.
“The West is not a place on a map. It is a set of ideas born in Jerusalem and Athens and Rome and carried forward by generations who believed in truth, individual responsibility, and the rule of law,” he stated.
At the same event, Jennings presented his perspective on the source of American rights.
He argued that rights originate from God rather than from governing documents or historical figures.
“The left wants you to believe that your rights are whatever they decide to give you. That’s why they can take them away so easily,” he said during his speech.
Jennings further contended that “this is why the left is so hostile to faith.”
He explained his view by stating, “They need you to believe that they are the highest authority in your life.”
He wrapped up his remarks at Liberty University with an optimistic outlook tied to faith and Western values.
“If we remain faithful to God and to the truths that built this great Western civilization, then our best days and the world’s are still ahead,” he concluded.
