Salem New York Extends Joe Piscopo for Three More Years as Morning Host on AM 970 The Answer
Rhea-AI Summary
Salem Media (OTCQX: SALM) extended Joe Piscopo’s talent agreement to keep him as morning-drive host on New York’s AM 970 The Answer (WNYM) through the end of 2028.
The deal renews The Joe Piscopo Show weekday mornings from 6–10 AM, continuing Piscopo’s tenure at AM 970 since 2014 and retaining his production team: Joe Sibilia (producer), Al Gattullo (news), Debbie DuHaime (traffic), and Stephen Parr (weather).
Salem highlighted Piscopo’s audience connection and longevity across radio, entertainment, and charitable activities.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, SALM declined 1.03%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Peers show mixed moves: CMLS up 3.52%, TMGI up 16.41%, FHLD down 9.28%, while SBSAA is flat and PSRU shows an extreme move of 4900%. No coordinated sector move was flagged for SALM.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 17 | Streaming content launch | Positive | -3.9% | New SalemNOW streaming title release announcement. |
| Nov 12 | Programming lineup change | Positive | -5.5% | That KEVIN Show added to SRN, replacing Eric Metaxas. |
| Nov 10 | Quarterly report posted | Neutral | -0.6% | Posting of Third Quarter 2025 report to investor website. |
| Oct 16 | Equity compensation update | Neutral | -4.7% | Executive compensation shifted to stock and forfeiture waiver disclosed. |
| Oct 13 | Podcast partnership | Positive | +2.3% | Newsweek partnership adding The Josh Hammer Show to SPN. |
Recent content and partnership announcements with generally positive tone have often been followed by negative or muted next-day price moves.
Over the last few months, Salem Media Group has focused on content, distribution, and capital-related updates. In October 2025, it added The Josh Hammer Show to its podcast network, citing 12% year-to-date growth, and disclosed stock-based compensation changes involving 218,067 and 400,000 restricted shares. November saw a quarterly report posting and programming changes like That KEVIN Show joining the SRN lineup. A SalemNOW streaming release on Nov 17, 2025 also drew attention. Today’s host-extension news fits this pattern of programming-focused announcements.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement extends Joe Piscopo’s morning role on AM 970 The Answer through the end of 2028, reinforcing Salem Media’s emphasis on established personalities in a key market. It follows other 2025 programming and distribution moves, including podcast network expansion and new show launches. Investors tracking the story may focus on how these talent and content decisions translate into audience growth, advertising trends, and future quarterly results rather than treating this as a standalone financial catalyst.
Key Terms
morning-drive technical
news-talk radio technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
CAMARILLO, Calif., Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Salem Media, Inc. (OTCQX: SALM) announces a new two-year extension of Joe Piscopo’s talent agreement, securing the legendary talk host as morning-drive anchor on New York City’s AM 970 The Answer (WNYM) through the end of 2028.
Salem Media is proud to reaffirm its commitment to iconic broadcaster and Saturday Night Live superstar Joe Piscopo, extending his weekday morning show, The Joe Piscopo Show, for an additional two years. The new agreement ensures Piscopo will continue waking up the New York metro area weekdays from 6–10AM for the next three years.
Joe Piscopo’s career may have begun with his breakout years on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (1980–84), but he has since become one of New York’s most recognizable voices in news-talk radio. Since joining AM 970 The Answer in 2014, Piscopo has built a devoted audience through his unique blend of news, interviews, entertainment, and cultural commentary.
“Joe Piscopo remains one of the most dynamic talents in New York radio,” said Laura Sheaffer, General Manager, AM 970 The Answer & Salem Media of New York. “His authenticity and connection with our listeners are extraordinary, and extending his presence on AM 970 The Answer was an easy decision. Joe continues to raise the bar every single morning.”
Joe Piscopo shared, “Our audience relies on us for honesty, respect, and straight talk about the issues that matter, and that trust means the world to me. And let’s be honest — only in New York do you wake up at 3AM and call it show business! I’m honored, grateful, and excited to keep sharing these mornings with such an amazing audience.”
The Joe Piscopo Show airs live on AM 970 The Answer weekdays 6–10AM. The program is produced by Joe Sibilia, with Al Gattullo on news, Debbie DuHaime on traffic, and Stephen Parr with weather.
In addition to his work anchoring morning drive, Piscopo remains active across film, comedy, live performance, and charitable initiatives—all while being a devoted father and family man.
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/eca05f95-1f59-4548-aa85-1b38776dd9ce
FAQ
What did Salem Media announce about Joe Piscopo and AM 970 (SALM) on December 18, 2025?
How long will Joe Piscopo host weekdays on AM 970 The Answer after the SALM extension?
Does the December 18, 2025 SALM announcement change The Joe Piscopo Show schedule?
Who are the on-air and production team members listed in the SALM release for The Joe Piscopo Show?
What does the SALM extension signal for investors concerned about talent stability at AM 970?
