He made national news headlines in late 2022 for openly challenging Cumulus Media’s COVID-19 vaccination policy, and has enjoyed much attention for his conservative political ideology that has made him a popular podcaster.
Meet the new Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Dan Bongino, the noted personality whose program is syndicated by Cumulus Media’s Westwood One unit, was appointed to the key FBI role by President Trump; the president announced his selection of Bongino via social media late Sunday (2/23).
“Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice! Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel,” posted Trump on the Truth Social platform. “He was a member of the New York Police Department (New York’s Finest!), a highly respected Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, and is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve.”
What does this mean for publicly traded Cumulus? Bongino’s final show, at least for now, will air on Friday, March 14.
Programming replacement plans for affiliates have not yet been shared by Westwood One.
In a statement shared with radio industry trade publications late Sunday, a Cumulus Media spokesperson commented, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Bongino on his decision to take on the role of Deputy Director of the FBI. Dan has entertained and informed tens of millions of listeners every day and we are grateful for our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming Dan back in the future. We truly value our audience, advertisers, and affiliates and remain dedicated to bringing them the next exciting chapter for this programming soon.”
Reports surfaced in November 2024 that President Trump was considering Bongino to lead the Secret Service. That role was instead given to Sean Curran.
The Dan Bongino Show and its daily companion podcast, distributed by the Cumulus Podcast Network, continues thanks to a multi-year deal with Westwood One agreed upon in December 2023. The new pact came despite a significant flap between Bongino and Cumulus Media over the company’s mandatory vaccination policy during the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent months.
Bongino has had a syndicated radio program distributed by Westwood One since 2021. In that time, its affiliate count has expanded from 115 to more than 350 stations.
