On Sunday night, former President Donald Trump announced that Dan Bongino, one of the biggest names in conservative talk radio and podcasting, is leaving broadcasting to take on a major role in the FBI.
Not only will he apparently be giving up his podcast, but also his widely distributed talk radio show, which airs during the old Rush Limbaugh timeslot.
READ MORE: Dan Bongino Lands Plum Role in the Trump Administration
Bongino is set to become Deputy Director of the FBI, working under Kash Patel, marking a significant shake-up—not just in law enforcement but also in the world of talk radio.
For many stations across the country, Bongino’s show has been a staple in the midday talk slot, a coveted spot once dominated by Limbaugh. With Bongino now stepping away from the microphone, the question is: what happens next in conservative talk radio?
The Biggest Shake-Up Since Rush
The loss of Limbaugh in 2021 left a void in conservative media that no single host could completely fill. Bongino emerged as one of the key voices in that midday slot, providing a fiery, no-nonsense brand of conservative commentary that resonated with millions.
Now, with his departure set for March 14, radio executives and station managers across the country are scrambling to figure out what comes next.
Westwood One, which syndicates Bongino’s show, appears blindsided by the move, and at this point, it’s unclear if they have a replacement lined up. In the meantime, a new era of conservative talk radio is taking shape—one that will be far more diverse, competitive, and locally driven.
Who Benefits Most from Bongino’s Exit?
When you look at the national radio landscape, there are four major voices in the midday slot that stand to gain from Bongino stepping away:
- Erick Erickson – One of the fastest-growing national hosts, bringing a mix of political insight and faith-driven conservatism.
- Dana Loesch – The only major female voice in the midday space, offering a sharp, hard-hitting take on the news of the day.
- Todd Starnes – A veteran of conservative commentary, building a growing independent network of stations.
- Clay Travis & Buck Sexton – The direct Rush Limbaugh successors, who already have a large national footprint.
Each of these hosts brings something different to the table, and rather than one dominant midday voice replacing Bongino, the space is likely to become more competitive.
But there’s another factor at play: the rise of local talk radio.
The Case for Local Talk Radio
Across the country, medium and large markets have been shifting away from national programming in favor of regional or local talent—especially in the midday slot
Why? Because local talk radio works.
- Advertisers prefer it. Local hosts can directly engage with businesses, offering live reads and endorsements that national ads can’t match.
- Audiences are drawn to it. People like hearing a local perspective on national and regional issues, something a nationally syndicated show simply can’t provide.
- It’s a proven strategy. Some of the best-performing talk stations in the country have prioritized strong local voices, and it’s a model that’s growing.
For stations losing Bongino, this is an opportunity to build something different—whether it’s investing in existing local talent or finding fresh, engaging voices who can bring something unique to the table.
But here’s the catch: not just anyone can make it work.
- Is the local talent engaging enough?
- Do they have their own voice, or are they just copying what national hosts do?
- Can they connect with their audience in a genuine way?
A local host simply trying to be the next Rush, Bongino, or Hannity isn’t going to cut it. They need to bring something distinct—a voice and perspective that resonates beyond just talking points.
Talk Radio Isn’t Dead—It’s Evolving
Despite what some may claim, news/talk radio is still a dominant force in media.
Pete Mundo, who is the VP for News/Talk for Cumulus, recently noted that, if anything, news/talk is very much alive in the radio world. Consider, as he does, the latest Nielsen ratings:
- In the 18+ demographic, news/talk led all radio formats with 11.3% of all listening—far ahead of its closest competitor.
- Among 25-54-year-olds, news/talk ranked No. 2 behind adult contemporary, but still claimed a 6.7% share—proving that younger demographics still tune in.
- On streaming platforms, news/talk continues to dominate, coming in at No. 1 or No. 2 across most key demos.
What does this mean? The audience is there. The demand for conservative talk is there. But with Bongino’s departure, stations will have to make some big decisions about how they move forward.
What Comes Next?
Bongino moving to the Trump administration is a game-changer for the conservative media landscape. It opens the door for national hosts to gain more ground, gives local talk radio a fresh opportunity, and ultimately reshapes midday programming.
The only question now is: Who’s ready to step up and take advantage of it?
