Industry News

Kristin Diaz Named WTOP AM Drive Anchor

Hubbard Radio all-news WTOP-FM, Washington names Kristin Diaz co-anchor of the morning show alongside John Aaron. Diaz most recentlyimg served as PM drive anchor at Audacy’s KRLD-AM, Dallas. WTOP director of news and programming Julie Ziegler says, “From the moment I met Kristin, I knew there was something special about her. Her commitment to telling stories that impact the diverse, local community she serves and doing so across platforms, aligns perfectly with WTOP’s mission. I can’t wait for the WTOP audience to get to know her.” Diaz was awarded the 2021 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast. She was also the recipient of the 2023 Texas Association of Broadcasters award for Best Newscast.

Industry News

WTOP Names Three to News Director Roles

Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM, Washington, DC announces that three news pros are named to news director roles for the station. Monique Hayes is promoted to AM broadcast news director; Bill McFarland joins WTOP as PM broadcast news director; and Giang Nguyen joins the station as digital news director. Hayes has been serving with the station for the past two years, most recently as assignments manager. She says, “Thisim is a great opportunity to help lead one of the best newsrooms in the area. I look forward to coaching and training future newsroom leaders and collaborating with our veteran journalists. I am excited to work with this new management team to deliver great local coverage of Washington, DC, and the surrounding communities.” McFarland comes to WTOP from NBC Boston, Telemundo Boston and New England Cable News where he was assistant news director. Nguyen recently served as a multimedia reporter in local markets in Kansas (WIBW-TV) and Illinois (WQAD-TV) as well as having worked at CNN, Radio Free Asia, NHK World and CCTV America in both reporter and assignment editor roles. WTOP director of news and programming Julie Ziegler comments, “I am so excited to have the force of Monique, Giang and Bill behind our daily newsroom operations. Having their combined talents on both the broadcast and digital sides is exactly what we need to meet our daily mission of delivering the most compelling content to our listeners and readers across all platforms.”