NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 12, 2026--
MediaCo’s HOT 97 (WQHT-FM), New York’s #1 multicultural station regardless of language, today announced the launch of its brand-new morning show, HOT 97 Mornings with Mero, premiering Tuesday, January 13, airing 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET. The show will be hosted by The Kid Mero, one of New York’s most recognizable and authentic voices in media and culture.
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Hailing from the Bronx, The Kid Mero is a New York Times best-selling author, Writers Guild Award winner, and a Variety “Comic to Watch.” He currently hosts Victory Light with The Kid Mero and co-hosts 7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony. Now, he brings his unmistakable energy, humor, and cultural perspective to mornings on HOT 97.
“HOT 97 has always been about representing the culture of New York, and Mero is New York,” said Kudjo Sogadzi, EVP of Content & Growth at MediaCo. “He’s authentic, hilarious, fearless, and deeply connected to the community. HOT 97 Mornings with Mero is going to set the tone for the city every morning and create must-listen moments for our audience.”
The announcement comes on the heels of a historic 2025 for MediaCo, a year marked by surging revenue and performance that outpaced every broadcaster in the nation, underscoring the company’s momentum, growing cultural influence, and continued investment in premium talent and franchise brands like HOT 97.
HOT 97 Mornings with Mero will feature Mero’s signature commentary on culture, sports, music, and current events, alongside conversations with today’s biggest artists, athletes, and influencers, all delivered with the unfiltered, unmistakable voice his fans know and love.
"HOT 97 is the station—it's been the voice of NYC hip-hop and culture for decades," said The Kid Mero. "I grew up listening to HOT 97, so to get the morning slot here isn't just a job—it's a responsibility to continue that legacy while bringing it into this next era of media. We're gonna laugh, we're gonna get into it, but it's always gonna be real, and a real good time!"
“This is a new era for HOT 97, one that reflects both where the culture is and where it’s going,” said MediaCo CEO Albert Rodriguez. “As the most listened-to station in hip-hop, we’re proud to announce The Kid Mero, Bronx-born comedian and cultural voice who’s captured a generation with his sharp wit and authenticity, as our new morning show host.” “With the continued growth of the HOT 97 brand alongside Hot TV, this is an integral moment for us to expand our reach and deepen our impact across platforms.”
The launch of HOT 97 Mornings with Mero marks a new chapter in HOT 97’s commitment to delivering culture-defining content and compelling personalities across radio and digital platforms. Listeners can tune in starting Tuesday, January 13, from 6AM to 10AM ET on HOT 97 and across HOT 97’s digital platforms.
About MediaCo
MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, multi-platform media company serving multicultural audiences nationwide. Its powerhouse brands—including HOT 97, WBLS, EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Que Buena Los Angeles, and the Don Cheto Radio Network—reach more than 20 million people each month across television, radio, digital, and streaming platforms. Learn more at https://mediaco.now.
The Kid Mero
