Cumulus Media/Westwood One’s syndicated “Ty, Kelly & Chuck” morning show will relaunch on Monday, January 7 as “The Ty Bentli Show”.
The refreshed show comes after the exit of co-host Kelly Ford in October. Recording artist/co-host Chuck Wicks will continue in his role while an expanded group of “friends and characters” will be added to the show.
Bentli joined what was then branded as “America’s Morning Show” in August 2016 after previously hosted mornings at CHRs “All The Hits 107.3” WRQX Washington DC and “92.3 Now” WNOW-FM New York and afternoons at “103.5 Kiss-FM” WKSC Chicago and “104.3 My-FM” KBIG Los Angeles.
INSTANT INSIGHT: Looks like Cumulus is trying to complete the conversion of Bentli into their version of Bobby Bones: the relatable former Top 40 host who becomes the face of the company’s Country brand with a cast of team members supporting him rather that a more intimate show like the former version.
Westwood One, the largest audio network in the U.S., will celebrate the New Year by launching a new A.M. drive show featuring former New York City morning host Ty Bentli. The Ty Bentli Show, debuting on Monday, January 7, will present Ty, Country recording artist Chuck Wicks, and an expanded cast of friends and characters who will get real, get down, and get Country.
Broadcasting from the Music City, Ty brings the humor, honesty and edge that set him apart as a top-rated major market talent (including Chicago and Los Angeles). Along with visits from Country music’s biggest stars, Ty and his crew will engage with listeners on authentic conversations of life stories, opinions, relationships, insecurities, and more.
“My dad taught me about hard work and looking out for others, my mom taught me about family and our values, and my wife taught me that you can believe in all of that while still laughing hysterically as we move through life!” says Bentli, who was raised in South Dakota by a police officer father and a loving, working mom. “Every day, this show will make the world a lot more fun — some drama, some love, tons of laughs, big stars and Country music!”
Suzanne Grimes, EVP, Marketing for CUMULUS MEDIA and President, Westwood One, added, “We are excited to showcase Ty in this new morning environment where his genuine and engaging personality really shines. He connects with listeners in a very real way, and this is the perfect forum for him to bring more good will, compassion, and cheer to our lives every morning.”
