Jim Bohannon Steps Away From Morning News Show

Jim Bohannon

Westwood One announced today that Jim Bohannon will be leaving his hosting duties on America in the Morning after the broadcast on December 18, 2015. Jim will continue to host the long running and successful Jim Bohannon Show.

Bohannon has been the sole host of America in the Morning since its first broadcast in 1984. The program, a blend of news, weather, sports, business and interviews, airs more on more than 250 stations nationwide. Bohannon is passing the reins to veteran broadcaster and regular guest host John Trout, who officially takes over on Monday, January 18, 2016.

"It's time for me to cut back the daily schedule a bit and focus my attention on the research, interviews, and calls for my weeknight Jim Bohannon Show,” commented Bohannon. “But I'll still be contributing my daily feature, the 'Offbeat,’ and my newsmaker interviews to America in the Morning.” He adds, “Listeners will love John Trout as host. He's got a stellar track record and he’s been a terrific fill-in. The show is in great hands and I wish him much success.”

John Trout

“After an amazing run of 30-plus years, I think Jim has earned the right to work a regular day instead of a double shift,” said Bart Tessler, EVP of News and Talk Programming. “His contributions to Westwood One have been immeasurable and we’re fortunate they will continue into 2016 with The Jim Bohannon Show. That fortune is extended with John Trout, who is the perfect successor for the next generation of America in the Morning.”

Trout, a seasoned radio and television broadcaster, has worked in a wide-range of capacities within the radio industry, including on-air host, newscaster, sales manager, and program director. He’s a two time recipient of the Achievement in Radio award. He began his career at his high school radio station, WJVS, in Sharonville, Ohio. By age 21 he was hosting a Top-40 morning radio show in Evansville, Indiana on WSTO-FM. His radio stops include Indianapolis, Virginia Beach, Pittsburgh, PA and Washington DC. Trout is a graduate of the Mississippi State University Broadcast Meteorology Program and has worked as a television meteorologist at WLFI-TV in Lafayette, Indiana and WBOC-TV in Salisbury, Maryland. During his tenure at WBOC-TV, he also hosted the popular “Proud to Serve” segment, a nightly news feature utilizing the station’s helicopter, “Chopper 16,” to highlight the unique charm and history of area communities. Trout is a licensed private pilot and has successfully soloed in a Cessna 152.