KFI, Los Angeles Adds “Monks & Merrill” to Shuffled Lineup
iHeartMedia’s news/talk KFI, Los Angeles makes some program schedule changes that include the new “Monks & Merrill” show and the shifting of John Kobylt back to afternoons and Tim Conway Jr. back to the evening daypart. Beginning Monday (2/17), the John Kobylt Show will air from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by the Tim Conway Jr. Show from 6:00 p to 10:00
pm. Talk show hosts Chris Merrill and Michael Monks partner for the “Monks & Merrill” shows that will air from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. An hour is shaved off the late morning “Gary & Shannon” show [Gary Hoffmann and Shannon Farren] that will air from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Chris Merrill, who’s been heard on KFI in the past, was most recently with Bonneville’s KTAR-FM, Phoenix. Michael Monks an award-winning senior reporter/host for KFI News. Station brand manager Brian Long says, “The chance to put John Kobylt back in drivetime and move Tim Conway Jr. and his entertaining brand of talk a bit later for the evening crowd is a homerun for the KFI listeners. Starting the day with ‘Wake- Up Call,’ Bill Handel, ‘Gary & Shannon,’ our award-winning news team, and now the addition of the new ‘Monks & Merrill’ show makes KFI the most stimulating talk lineup in America.”
“‘Outspoken’ has built a devoted following by tackling Arizona’s biggest political, social and cultural issues with insight, humor and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. The expanded time slot allows the show to dig deeper into the stories shaping the state and the nation, while continuing to engage listeners and viewers through spirited conversation. The change will help position KTAR News’ marquee afternoon drive show during a pivotal election year in front of larger audiences, bringing the hosts’ signature blend of bold opinions, sharp analysis and lively debate to the heart of the drive‑time lineup. Outspoken will continue to push the conversation forward with exclusive guests and the Faceoff roundtable conversation every Wednesday.” The station also brings back “Arizona’s Evening News,” hosted by Becky Lynn and Joe Huizenga, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It will keep listeners and viewers tuned into local programming with a news program focused on in-depth conversation. Bonneville says the new program schedule reflects the end of the two-year run of The Chris & Joe Show in the 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm daypart with the departure of talk host Chris Merrill. 
radio pros Chris Merrill and Joe Huizenga. Bonneville Phoenix SVP and market manager Ryan Hatch says, “We are thrilled to add new shows that will keep our community informed and connected at such an important time. In addition to being one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in the country, Phoenix is also the epicenter of the 2024 election with Arizona being a key battleground state.” St. James served with KTAR-FM from 2010-2020. Merrill hosted a local show on the station from 2014-2017. Huizenga is currently the assistant program director and is a familiar voice as a fill-in host. Station PD Martha Maurer adds, “I am excited to welcome back Bruce and introduce Chris and Joe to our already impressive news and talk teams. This new lineup will bring exciting new energy and depth to our live and local coverage, both on-air and on our growing digital platforms.”