KDKA-AM Names Permanent Wendy Bell Replacement

PITTSBURGH, PA — After recently parting ways with Wendy Bell, KDKA-AM is turning to a far less controversial figure to host its afternoon drive show. The station announced Tuesday that former KDKA-TV news anchor Rick Dayton's show will air weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Dec. 7.

Dayton undoubtedly will be a less incendiary on-air personality than Bell, whom KDKA removed from the air in September shortly after she suggested that park rangers should shoot people who vandalize monuments honoring historical figures. The station announced in mid-October that it had permanently parted ways with Bell.

Dayton has more than 30 years of broadcast news experience. He previously worked as sports director for the North Carolina News Network; as a reporter and anchor at WOWK in Charleston-Huntington, WV and as an anchor for anchor for KDKA-TV. He was laid off from the TV station, owned by a different company than KDKA-AM, in May.

Dayton most recently served as a fill-in host for KDKA Radio Afternoon News and also hosted the station’s “Pre-Debate Tailgate” on the evenings of the presidential and vice-presidential debates.

“Rick is ingrained in the local community and has a tremendous news reputation in the market,” Michael Spacciapolli, senior vice president and market manager for KDKA-AM owner Entercom Pittsburgh. “He is a beloved personality who will engage the listeners daily with content and information and I’m excited to welcome him to our weekday lineup.”

“After spending more than a decade back home in western Pennsylvania, I am honored to join KDKA Radio and build on its iconic legacy,” Dayton said.. “To talk with KDKA’s loyal listeners each day and to discuss important issues is something I do not take lightly. I cannot wait to get those conversations started on Monday afternoon.”