Portland’s Bull Launching Local Morning Show

• Connoisseur Media Country KUPL (98.7 The Bull)/Portland just completed the construction of a brand-new, locally focused morning show, set to premier on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

The new show is built around the talents of major market veteran Jeff “JR” Ramsey, longtime Bull veteran Jake Byron, and social media influencer Mallory Santic. Pictured, (l-r): Ramsey, Byron, and Santic

Ramsey arrives in Portland from “the other Portland” — his hometown of Portland, Maine, where he was most recently afternoon talent and Regional Production Director at the station where he originally started his career — Townsquare Top 40 WJBQ (Q97.9). In between, Ramsey did afternoons at iHeartMedia Top 40 KDHT (Hits 95.7)/Denver, and nights and afternoons at Midwest Communications’ WNFN/Nashville.

For Byron, third time’s the charm — he originally spent 15 years with The Bull as morning co-host until he, co-host Tony Russell and PD MoJoe Roberts were furloughed in April 2020. He was rehired in Oct. 2021 as evening talent and downsized again last July.

Rounding out the team is Mallory Santic, a social media influencer and former Love Island contestant, who brings a digital-first perspective and a deep love of Country music.

“When you can take two people who grew up here and love 98.7 The Bull and add another great radio talent, you have the recipe for the perfect morning show for Country fans in Portland,” said Ross MacLeod, OM of Connoisseur Portland.

Keith Dakin, SVP of Programming for Connoisseur Media, notes, “Since our purchase of Alpha, Connoisseur Media has been going from market to market to add a stronger local presence. We believe that for radio to thrive in 2026, we have to be a major part of our communities, and having a strong morning show like this is a giant piece of the puzzle.”