Salem Radio Announces New National Midday Hosts Following Charlie Kirk Tragedy

Salem Radio Network has named two new hosts for its national midday programming. According to Axios, CNN political commentator Scott Jennings and Breitbart News editor Alex Marlow will take over the slot. The new program schedule begins on January 5, 2026.

This move fills the vacancy left by the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk was killed while speaking at a university event in Orem, Utah. His former show will continue as a podcast.

New Lineup Splits Key Daytime Hours

The new schedule divides the afternoon. Alex Marlow will host from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Scott Jennings will then take over from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This pairing brings together distinct media backgrounds. Marlow leads a major conservative digital publication. Jennings is a familiar face from CNN’s political panels. Salem aims to maintain a strong conservative voice in the critical midday slot.

The network confirmed Kirk’s legacy show will continue in podcast form. It will be co-hosted by Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff on the Salem Podcast Network. This ensures dedicated listeners still have access to that content.

A Slot Vacated by a Shocking Crime

The host change stems from a tragic event. Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in November 2024. He was speaking at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University.

Court documents detail the shooting. The suspect, Tyler Robinson, fired from a rooftop about 160 yards away. The shot struck Kirk in the neck during his “American Comeback Tour” speech.

Robinson was arrested days later at his parents’ home. Prosecutors cite text messages where Robinson stated he acted against Kirk’s “hatred.” His mother told investigators his political views had recently shifted leftward.

The incident sent shockwaves through political media circles. It forced Salem Radio to reconsider the future of one of its flagship programs. The appointment of two established figures aims to provide stability.

Salem Radio’s decisive move to install Scott Jennings and Alex Marlow demonstrates a forward path after profound loss. The new national midday hosts now carry the responsibility of a highly listened-to platform in a charged media landscape.

Thought you’d like to know

Who are the new Salem Radio midday hosts?

The new hosts are Alex Marlow, editor-in-chief of Breitbart News, and Scott Jennings, a CNN political commentator. Their combined show will air weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Eastern.

When does the new show start?

The new programming lineup is set to debut on January 5, 2026. This gives the network and hosts time to prepare for the national launch.

What happened to Charlie Kirk’s old show?

“The Charlie Kirk Show” will continue as a podcast. It will be co-hosted by Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff and available on the Salem Podcast Network.

Why did Salem Radio need new hosts?

The slot became vacant after former host Charlie Kirk was murdered. He was shot while speaking at a university event in Utah in late 2024.

What are the new hosts’ backgrounds?

Alex Marlow is a top editor at a conservative news outlet. Scott Jennings is a Republican strategist known for his appearances on CNN.