L-A Radio: News/Talk KABC Unveils New Line-Up

Jillian Barberie and John Phillips

Cumulus Media has  announced that it will unveil a new weekday programming lineup on Los Angeles Talk Radio station 790 KABC, starting Monday, January 7, 2019.

Westwood One nationally syndicated talk radio program The Ben Shapiro Show will join KABC’s lineup, airing in Afternoon Drive Monday through Friday from 3pm-6pm.

Moving from Afternoon Drive to Morning Drive is the popular KABC team of John Phillips and Jillian Barberie, whose new show, The Morning Drive, will be heard mornings from 6am-10am.

Larry O’Connor joins KABC for the 10am-12Noon show, and Leeann Tweeden joins Dr. Drew weekdays from 12Noon-3pm on Dr. Drew Midday Live. Rounding out the weekday lineup is KABC favorite Peter Tilden, who returns to his early evening slot from 6pm-9pm.

The Ben Shapiro Show is a high-energy, action-packed program as host and podcast-to-broadcast innovator Ben Shapiro, editor-in-chief of the Sherman Oaks-based website DailyWire.com, covers America’s most powerful political personalities, brutally breaking down the culture, while never giving an inch. An L.A.-born and raised young conservative firebrand, Shapiro hosts the top conservative podcast in the nation, and brings his common sense, pro-America views to Angelenos’ drive home.

John Phillips and Jillian Barberie will wake up Angelenos in their new morning timeslot on KABC.

Ben Shapiro

The dynamic on-air personalities have hosted The Drive Home With John Phillips and Jillian Barberie on 790 since 2014. Phillips is a native of Garden Grove, a regular political commentator on CNN and a weekly columnist for the Orange County Register. He has been heard on KABC for over a decade. Barberie spent nearly 20 years as co-host of Good Day, LA on Fox 11, alongside Steve Edwards and Dorothy Lucey. Her always candid, say-whatever-she’s-thinking style has endeared her to TV and radio fans alike. The mother of two’s battle with and recovery from breast cancer in 2018 has been an inspiration to many.

Larry O’Connor hosts a wildly popular afternoon show on sister station WMAL in Washington, D.C., and now joins KABC in his own backyard, making him radio’s first bi-coastal personality. He will continue to host his show on WMAL. O’Connor attended Corona Del Mar High School in Newport and served as GM of the Schubert Theatre in Century City. He not only has deep SoCal roots, he has first-hand involvement in the issues effecting families- his kids are in high school in L.A. County. O’Connor’s common sense approach, his relationships with political influencers and his infectious laugh have made him a fast favorite.

Golden Mic Award-winning news personality Leeann Tweeden joins Dr. Drew in Middays from the KABC morning show, where the former sports talk show host, model, mother of two and nationally recognized supporter of the U.S. military has provided news and analysis since 2017. Tweeden has been a regular guest on Dr. Drew’s HLN television show and on FOX News Channel.

Peter Tilden’s offbeat take on the news and pop culture, his gift of humor and his unique interview style have entertained KABC listeners for years. In this early-evening incarnation, Tilden’s show will dig into the hottest issues and biggest personalities of the day, making his listeners’ evening commutes that much easier.

Dawn Girocco, Vice President/Market Manager, Cumulus Los Angeles, said: “Ben Shapiro brings a fresh, bold perspective and highly engaging style to KABC Afternoons, and will have L.A. commuters tuning in every weekday, while KABC listeners will love waking up to two of their favorite talk personalities, John Phillips and Jillian Barberie. Leeann Tweeden and Dr. Drew are an inspired pairing, and Larry O’Connor’s local voice and D.C. insight will offer listeners something different. KABC’s popular Peter Tilden will bring us all home at the end of the day.”

Drew Hayes, Operations Director, KABC, said: “Ben Shapiro has become the voice of his generation, delivering fact-based, fearless analysis of the issues challenging America. We are thrilled to welcome Ben to afternoon drive on KABC, in his hometown. He will fit right in with our reloaded lineup: John and Jillian now waking up SoCal, Leeann teaming with Dr. Drew, Peter Tilden for the extended commute home, and Larry O’Connor, who will energize middays.”

Shapiro said: “I couldn't be more thrilled to speak to my fellow Los Angelenos every single day. I grew up listening to 790, and it's an honor and a pleasure to be coming to its hallowed airwaves. I can't wait to bring my brand of hard-hitting, pull-no-punches, information-first talk to the best station in my hometown!"