"The Real Story" Expands to Weekdays on AM 560 The Answer, Adding Amy Jacobson as Co-Host
MWN-AI** Summary
Salem Media announced the expansion of "The Real Story," a program hosted by Jeanne Ives, to a new weekday time slot on AM 560 The Answer, starting February 2, 2026. The show will now air from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT, Mondays through Fridays, allowing for a broader audience reach. Amy Jacobson, a seasoned broadcaster with a strong background in Chicago media, will join Ives as co-host, marking her return to AM 560 after a previous successful stint on "Chicago's Morning Answer."
John Gallagher, regional vice president of AM 560, emphasized the significance of this pairing as it brings two influential conservative voices to the station. He noted Jacobson's commitment to uncovering truths and Ives' extensive political experience in Illinois. Ives expressed her excitement about the partnership and the opportunity to inform listeners on policy matters effectively, aiming to empower the public to hold politicians accountable.
Both hosts bring considerable credentials to their roles. Jeanne Ives, a West Point graduate and former Illinois State Representative, has been actively involved in state politics and advocacy for conservative ideals, even participating in high-profile elections. In contrast, Amy Jacobson is recognized for her exemplary journalism, having garnered multiple Emmy Awards during her career, which includes covering significant events in Chicago history.
This program expansion reflects Salem Media's strategy to enhance its conservative content offering and engage a daily audience with insightful commentary and in-depth discussions on pressing political issues. The collaboration is positioned to enrich the listening experience for AM 560's audience, contributing to the discourse within the conservative landscape of Chicago radio.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent announcement from Salem Media regarding the expansion of “The Real Story” into a weekday slot on AM 560 The Answer could have significant implications for both the company and its investors. The addition of veteran broadcaster Amy Jacobson as co-host alongside Jeanne Ives leverages their political expertise and established audience familiarity, which may enhance the program's listenership and advertising potential.
For investors, this move signals Salem Media's intent to bolster its conservative programming, Addressing an audience that typically aligns with conservative values could help attract advertisers targeting that demographic, thereby driving revenue growth. The weekday slot also suggests an anticipated increase in audience engagement, maximizing listener retention and potentially leading to higher affiliate revenues.
Furthermore, Ives' background as a former Illinois State Representative and her efforts in creating conservative infrastructure position her as a credible voice in political discourse, likely attracting listeners who prioritize insightful commentary during the work week. Jacobson's established reputation in Chicago broadcasting adds to the program's appeal, enhancing its perceived value in a competitive media landscape.
From a market perspective, investors should monitor Salem Media's audience metrics and advertising revenue closely following this expansion. The company's focus on conservative content aligns with broader media consumption trends among certain demographics, boding well for future performance.
In conclusion, for investors considering shares in Salem Media, this strategic expansion could represent a growth opportunity. Continued evaluation of audience engagement and subsequent advertising revenue will be critical in assessing the long-term potential of “The Real Story” and the company's overall performance within the media sector.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
CAMARILLO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Salem Media (OTCQX: SALM) announced today that “The Real Story,” hosted by Jeanne Ives, will expand to a weekday time slot on AM 560 The Answer (WIND-AM), airing Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT, beginning Monday, February 2. The move also marks the addition of longtime Chicago broadcaster Amy Jacobson as co-host.
Since 2023, “The Real Story” has aired on Sunday evenings from 7-9 p.m. CT, with Ives hosting solo. The weekday expansion brings the program to a daily audience and reunites Jacobson with AM 560 The Answer in a new role, following her previous tenure as co-host of “Chicago’s Morning Answer.”
“This outstanding team adds two powerful, local conservative voices to our AM 560 lineup,” said John Gallagher, regional vice president and general manager of AM 560 The Answer. “Bringing Amy Jacobson back to the station fills a huge void for our audience. She has been relentless in her quest for the truth, and she gets answers that our listeners need to hear. Jeanne Ives is one of the most politically connected people in the state of Illinois. She brings a wealth of knowledge regarding so many issues that affect everyone within our listening area. I am looking forward to the in-depth conversation and new perspective this team will offer.”
“I am thankful and excited to be a part of the Salem family,” said Jeanne Ives. “Information is power and Amy and I want to bring the Real Story on policy along with informed commentary from years of experience knowing the players and politicians to our listeners. We want listeners to be informed, so they can hold the politicians accountable.”
“I am thrilled to be returning home to AM 560 The Answer,” said Amy Jacobson. “Jeanne and I will be part of the strongest conservative line-up in Chicago radio! As many of you know, life takes some unexpected turns, but when you love what you do, the signal always finds its way back.”
About Jeanne Ives
Jeanne Ives served three terms as an Illinois State Representative, beginning in 2012. In keeping with her fiscally conservative principles, she refused both a taxpayer-funded pension and healthcare.
In 2018, she mounted a primary challenge against Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner, who would go on to lose to J.B. Pritzker in the general election. In 2020, Ives ran for Congress against Democrat incumbent Sean Casten.
Following her campaign, she launched Breakthrough Ideas, whose mission is to build the infrastructure and conservative networks needed to advance conservative ideas and Republican candidates in the suburbs.
She is a graduate of West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She served in the U.S. Army as a platoon leader and headquarters detachment commander for transportation units in Germany and as an ROTC instructor at Wheaton College. She resigned from the Army in 1993 to raise her children.
Her opinion pieces have been published in the Chicago Tribune, The Federalist, and the Wall Street Journal as well as several political news sites. Her awards include Champion of Free Enterprise from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the inaugural Titanium Backbone Award from Illinois Family Institute for her pro-family stances, and a 100% rating from the American Conservative Union. She and her husband have five children, three of whom serve in the military.
About Amy Jacobson
Amy Jacobson is a veteran Chicago broadcaster, known for her work in both television and radio. For nearly 15 years, she co-hosted “Chicago’s Morning Answer” on AM 560 The Answer (WIND-AM). Prior to that, she worked as a general assignment reporter for NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV), beginning in 1996. During her tenure, she covered major events such as the 2002 Winter Olympics and the Chicago White Sox's 2005 World Series run.
Her journalism career began with an internship at KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, followed by reporting roles at KSAX-TV in Minnesota, KOLD-TV in Tucson, KVIA-TV in El Paso, and WJBK-TV in Detroit. Throughout her career, Jacobson has been consistently recognized for her reporting, including multiple Chicago Emmy Awards.
Amy graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Iowa in 1991 with a degree in broadcasting and film.
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.
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/023f4d5f-93d5-4c46-b5d5-278a6ddbf30b
FAQ**
How does the weekday expansion of “The Real Story,” hosted by Jeanne Ives and Amy Jacobson, impact the brand strength of Salem Media Group Inc. (SALM) in the competitive conservative media landscape?
What strategies is Salem Media Group Inc. (SALM) implementing to leverage the advertising potential of the expanded weekday time slot for “The Real Story”?
Given Jeanne Ives and Amy Jacobson's backgrounds, how is Salem Media Group Inc. (SALM) expecting their influence to shape listener engagement and loyalty with the program?
How does the addition of “The Real Story” to the weekday lineup align with Salem Media Group Inc. (SALM)'s broader goals for growth and audience reach in the conservative media segment?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Salem Media Group Inc. (OTC: SALM).
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