Salem Radio Network announced Alex Marlow and Scott Jennings will take over the influential noon to 3 p.m. ET slot once held by Charlie Kirk, beginning January 5, as Kirk’s show shifts into a podcast format and Turning Point continues producing content in other forms.
The conservative radio landscape is shifting after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, and Salem moved quickly to name two recognizable voices to the high-profile midday block. This slot has long been a linchpin for conservative talk, previously occupied by figures with national reach. Salem’s decision aims to maintain momentum and keep those crucial hours active for listeners.
Alex Marlow will handle the noon to 1 p.m. hour, bringing his Breitbart background and podcast experience into the radio mix. He’s well known in MAGA circles and has been a frequent and forceful presence on conservative platforms. Marlow’s hour is expected to be focused, confrontational, and aligned with conservative priorities.
Scott Jennings will take over the 1 to 3 p.m. block, extending a role he already holds in Salem’s lineup and building on his reputation as a staunch defender of President Trump on cable television. His live radio experience gives the hour a steady hand that can engage callers and national audiences. Together the pair create a contiguous midday window aimed at moving conservative conversation forward.
The move is presented as a passing of the torch rather than a replacement, acknowledging Charlie Kirk’s singular role in uniting different strands of the right. Kirk had a unique ability to bridge factions, and that legacy sets the bar high for anyone stepping into his former slot. Both Marlow and Jennings have publicly expressed respect for Kirk and the team that supported his program after the tragedy.
Scott Jennings said, “Thank you for your stewardship of Charlie’s radio legacy … These are some of the most important hours in talk radio.” That declaration signals the seriousness with which they approach the responsibility. It also frames the new lineup as guardians of an influential conservative platform.
Alex Marlow said, “It was a rare pleasure to be a weekly guest on my friend Charlie Kirk’s show … I can’t wait to get started.” His words reflect both personal connection and a readiness to step into live radio. That enthusiasm will be an asset when addressing the fast-moving news cycle and cultural battles ahead.
The Charlie Kirk Show will continue, but its primary outlet will evolve into a podcast on the Salem Podcast Network, co-hosted by Andrew Kolvet and Blake Neff from Turning Point. The Turning Point team plans to keep producing content across formats while transitioning radio distribution to the new hosts. This arrangement keeps Turning Point visible while centralizing live radio under Marlow and Jennings.
Turning Point’s team publicly acknowledged Salem’s support during the transition and indicated agreement with the radio choices Salem made. That buy-in matters because it reduces the appearance of a fractious handoff and keeps organizational relationships intact. It also ensures the brand and its contributors remain active in multiple media formats.
Salem estimates the new shows will air on more than 300 stations and reach over 1.2 million weekly radio listeners, with additional audience numbers exceeding a million through podcast platforms. Those are significant distribution and reach metrics for any talk lineup. The scale underscores why the noon to 3 p.m. hours matter to conservatives trying to shape national conversation.
The wider political environment is tense, with fractures within the MAGA movement and persistent rumors surrounding Kirk’s death amplifying mistrust in some quarters. That context raises the stakes for Marlow and Jennings, who must contend with an audience hungry for clarity and leadership. Their success will depend on delivering consistent messaging and avoiding needless factionalism.
Listeners will watch to see if the new hosts can match the unifying energy Kirk brought to the airwaves and whether they can push back effectively against progressive narratives. Both bring followings and proven media skills, and their combined hours offer a chance to coordinate themes and priorities across midday programming. Conservative radio needs shows that rally the base while expanding outreach, and this pairing aims to do that.
Operationally, Salem’s move keeps a high-profile block active and leverages talent familiar to the audience. The transition leaves Turning Point producing its own content while preserving radio reach under established Salem personalities. For conservative listeners and activists, the midday hours will remain a key place to hear direct, unapologetic commentary.
There’s a practical test ahead: sustain listener numbers, navigate internal divisions, and confront the cultural and political battles that will define the next election cycles. Marlow and Jennings will be judged by how well they keep the platform lively, disciplined, and true to conservative principles. For now, the network has set a clear plan and a start date, and the movement can expect those hours to remain loud and engaged.
