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| Michelle Basch |
Michelle Basch, a veteran radio journalist with nearly two decades at Hubbard Broadcasting's all-news WTOP 103.5 FM in Washington, D.C., has announced her plans to step back from her high-profile role as morning co-anchor.
The news, shared internally via a staff memo Tuesday marks the end of an era for one of the station's most recognizable voices.
Timeline For Exit:
- End of 2025: Basch will conclude her daily morning anchoring duties alongside co-anchor John Aaron, wrapping up her shifts from 5-10 a.m. weekdays.
- Through Spring 2026: She'll remain with WTOP in a reporting capacity, allowing her to contribute stories while easing into her transition.
- Spring 2026: Full departure from the station, coinciding with her relocation to Pennsylvania.
The move is personal rather than professional—Basch and her husband, Mike, have long cherished their cabin retreat in the Keystone State and decided to make it their full-time home.
Basch's journey to D.C. radio stardom began far from the Beltway. A Cleveland native, she graduated with a broadcast journalism degree from Ohio University in 1999 (proudly a Bobcat, not a Buckeye).
Her early career took her to smaller markets:
- Charleston, SC: Entry-level news radio role post-graduation.
- Cleveland, OH: Returned home for local reporting.
- Los Angeles, CA: Gained experience in a major market.
In 2006, opportunity struck twice: WTOP offered her a reporter position just as her then-boyfriend (now husband) proposed. She accepted both, relocating to the nation's capital and building a 19-year tenure at the station. Her WTOP roles evolved from general assignment reporting to anchoring evenings with Dimitri Sotis, and in January 2023, she stepped into the morning slot with John Aaron—a pairing that quickly became a staple for commuters tuning in for traffic, weather, and headlines.
Basch's work extended beyond the anchor desk. She's a skilled storyteller, notably creating and hosting WTOP's early podcasts.
What's Next for WTOP? The station wasted no time: It's actively searching for a new morning co-anchor to pair with John Aaron.