Let’s Talk News-Talk

• iHeartMedia News-Talk KEX-AM/Portland, OR is pleased to announce the return of station vet Mark Mason, who comes back after a three-year hiatus. The new Mark Mason Show will air weekdays from noon to 3pm. “We are thrilled to have Mark back home at KEX where he belongs,” says PD Cort Webber. “The place just hasn’t been the same without him. We’re excited to kick off a new year and a new administration with a new show from an old friend.”

Mason famously co-hosted KEX’s Mark and Dave Show for 18 years with Dave Anderson, who died last year from pancreatic cancer. “After I lost my good friend and co-host Dave Anderson, my perspective on life changed and I wanted to return the Portland community that embraced me,” said Mason. “I’m excited to return to the KEX family and bring my 100% hate-free brand of talk radio back to Portland.” Mason will continue to serve as the public address announcer for the Portland Trailblazers, a gig he has held for 21 years.

• Cherry Creek Media’s NewsRadio 560 KPQ/Wenatchee, WA makes several drivetime personnel moves — PD John Summers hands off his News Director stripes to morning host Michael Knight, and Kevin Rounce joins KPQ for afternoon drive, inbound from sister KONA/Tri-Cities. OM Chuck Geiger said, “We have a five-person fulltime news staff, and its imperative that they all sing in harmony and the best people are in the best places.”