Derek Hunter Joins WMAL-FM in DC as Afternoon Talk Host

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, June 2, 2025 | 2:58pm CT

Derek Hunter

Cumulus Media appoints Derek Hunter as the new afternoon talk host on WMAL-FM (News Talk 105.9) in Washington, DC. Hunter, a familiar voice to WMAL listeners, officially steps into the 3-6pm weekday time slot starting June 2. A veteran broadcaster with two decades in talk radio, Hunter has been a frequent fill-in host on WMAL since 2011.

Hunter is also known for his work as a senior columnist at Townhall.com, host of The Derek Hunter Podcast, and former managing editor at The Daily Caller, where he helped launch the outlet in 2009 at the invitation of Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel.

Hunter's broadcasting career began in 2005 with The Insiders, a live call-in show for The Heritage Foundation, where he also served as a health care policy analyst. Over the years, he has hosted programs at WBAL and WCBM in Baltimore, and WFMD in Frederick, MD, where he also held the role of Program Director.

"We're thrilled to have Derek's fresh voice and perspective on our fulltime line-up," said WMAL Program Director Bill Hess. "His width of interests will make for a fun and informative afternoon program as we wrestle this news cycle each day."

Calling his appointment a "homecoming," Hunter said, "I couldn't be more excited. Returning to where I first hosted is a great feeling. I've been fortunate to fill in across the lineup-from O'Connor and Company to Chris Plante, and even for Rush Limbaugh. To now have a permanent home here is incredibly special."