Salem to Replace Music Countdown Host

Shares of Salem Media Group moved higher Monday after the company announced it will replace Jeff Steele, host of its Singing News Radio Network’s countdown show for Southern Gospel music, with radio personality Rodney Baucom. The Camarillo broadcaster, which specializes in Christian and politically conservative content, said that Steele has hosted the show for three years. He is also the front man for Southern Gospel group The Steeles. The group has seen tremendous growth in its touring schedule, which prevents Steele from continuing with the countdown, according to Salem. Baucom is a 30-year radio veteran and currently serves as network director for The Life FM Radio Network. When he takes over the show on Aug. 4 it will expand and change its name from the Top 10 Countdown Show to the Top 20 Countdown. “Jeff Steele is a friend of the network and we look forward to watching the growth of his ministry,” Kevin Anderson, general manager of Salem Nashville, said in a statement. “We are confident that Rodney Baucom is the right guy to help us build on current successes.” Shares of Salem (SALM), closed Monday up 90 cents, or 19.8 percent, at $5.45 on the Nasdaq.