Get ready for a morning radio revolution in Portland! 98.7 The Bull is shaking things up with a brand-new local morning show, and it's got everyone talking. Starting Tuesday, January 20th, Jeff ‘JR’ Ramsey, Jake Byron, and Mallory Santic will be waking up the city with a fresh take on country music and local flavor. But here's where it gets interesting: this lineup isn't just about new voices—it's about bringing together a mix of seasoned radio veterans and fresh talent, all with deep roots in Portland.
JR Ramsey is no stranger to the airwaves. He’s making the leap from afternoons at Townsquare Media’s CHR station “Q97.9” in Portland, Maine, where he started his career. Ramsey’s journey has taken him across the country, from hosting nights and afternoons at “Hot 106.7” in Nashville to serving as APD and afternoon host at “Hits 95.7” in Denver. His return to Portland feels like a homecoming, and he’s thrilled to be part of this new venture. “I’m fired up, grateful, and beyond excited to wake up with Portland every weekday morning on 98.7 The Bull!” he shared.
Jake Byron’s story is one of resilience and loyalty. This marks his third stint at KUPL, a station he first joined in 2004. Byron was a staple of the morning show from 2014 to 2020, only to exit during the COVID-related cuts. He returned in 2021, hosting afternoons, nights, weekends, and most recently the 12-3pm slot. Now, he’s back where he belongs—in the morning. “Connoisseur Media is making possible what I only dared to dream,” Byron said. “I am so proud and excited to be part of 98.7 The Bull once again!”
And then there’s Mallory Santic, a social media personality and former Love Island contestant, bringing a fresh perspective to the team. “I’m so excited to be part of launching a new morning show on 98.7 The Bull,” she said. “I love Portland, I love country music, and I can’t wait to start mornings with listeners and connect with the city we call home.”
Operations Manager Ross MacLeod couldn’t be more enthusiastic. “When you can take two people who grew up here and love 98.7 The Bull and add another great radio talent, you have the recipe for the perfect morning show for country fans in Portland,” he explained.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Connoisseur Media is betting big on local talent in an era where syndicated shows dominate the airwaves. Connoisseur SVP/Programming Keith Dakin believes this is the key to radio’s survival in 2026. “Since our purchase of Alpha, we’ve been going from market to market to add a stronger local presence,” he said. “We believe that for radio to thrive, we have to be a major part of our communities, and having a strong morning show like this is a giant piece of the puzzle.”
This new show replaces The Bobby Bones Show, which was dropped from KUPL and other Connoisseur Media Country stations earlier this year. Is this the right move? Will local talent outshine syndicated giants? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Is local radio the future, or do syndicated shows still have a place? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
