“America’s First News with Gordon Deal” adds some 20 new affiliate stations, including KMOX, St. Louis; WCCO, Minneapolis; and KMBX, Las Vegas. This brings the total number of affiliate stations for the Compass Media Networks-syndicated show up to 325. Host Gordon Deal says, “It’s both humbling and motivating to grow listenership and find new partners. We promise to continue leading in the news space.”
Compass Media Networks names Carter Alvord to the position of associate director of affiliate sales, sports & news/talk programming. Alvord is a 2026 Bucknell University graduate who’s 
been interning with Compass Media Networks since June 2024. In his new position he’ll assist with growth of the company’s featured play-by-play sports including NFL Football, NCAA Football & Basketball and heritage news/talk programming including “This Morning with Gordon Deal” and Erick Erickson. Alvord says, “Growing up listening to ‘Anna & Raven’ sparked my passion for radio. It is an honor to join Compass Media Networks, and I am thrilled to work shoulder to shoulder with Rob Blum and the rest of the affiliate sales team to super serve our affiliates and content partners.”