WTOP News Expanded Top News Podcast Format
The Washington-based news organization is adding staff to support a new hourly podcast production model.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Remote Work
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On August 10, 2026, WTOP News announced an expansion of its Top News Podcast, which will move to a format delivering 12-14 episodes each weekday. The production refresh aims to align the podcast with how Washington-area audiences consume local news.
Why it matters
The shift toward an hourly update model reflects a strategy to provide more frequent, relevant information to listeners throughout the day. By incorporating both newsroom resources and host-led editorial content, the network seeks to streamline delivery for its local audience.
WTOP plans to hire two full-time podcast host-producers to support the 20-minute episodes released hourly from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The podcast has been a part of the network's portfolio for over six years.
The players
WTOP News
A Washington, D.C.-based news organization that has provided regional coverage to the Washington area since 1969.
Hubbard Media That Connects
The parent company that owns WTOP News and launched the Gamut Podcast Network in 2025.
Gamut Podcast Network
A podcast network launched by Hubbard Media that features a portfolio of approximately 250 national and local shows.
The details
The project involves producing a video version of the podcast in collaboration with the Gamut Podcast Network, which was launched by parent company Hubbard Media That Connects in 2025. This new model will integrate hourly newsroom resources into the show's updated structure.
Timeline
WTOP has served the Washington region as a news source since 1969.
The network transitioned the podcast to a manually produced format in 2024.
Hubbard Media launched the Gamut Podcast Network in 2025.
WTOP announced the podcast expansion on August 10, 2026.
The new podcast format is expected to launch later in 2026.
Market Landscape
WTOP's move follows the broader industry shift toward on-demand hourly audio news updates as broadcasters adapt to digital-first consumption. This strategy strengthens the network's position against competitors by leveraging the scale of the Hubbard Media-backed Gamut Podcast Network.
Washington-area listeners can expect more frequent, 20-minute news updates throughout their workday. The introduction of a video version will also provide followers with new ways to access local news content beyond traditional audio.
The takeaway
The expansion demonstrates a commitment to high-frequency audio updates tailored to the fast-paced news cycle of the capital region. Listeners should look for the new format later this year as WTOP integrates video and hourly updates into its daily broadcast slate.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry trends in the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTOP.
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