KUPL 98.7 The Bull is proud to announce a brand-new, locally focused morning show, premiering Tuesday, January The new show features Jeff “JR” Ramsey, Jake Byron, and Mallory Santic, three dynamic voices bringing fresh energy and a commitment to building authentic connections with Portland’s country music community. At a time when local voices matter more than ever, The Bull’s new morning show is designed to reflect the character of Portland — connecting listeners to their city, their music, and each other, each and every (weekday) morning.

JR Ramsey joins The Bull with a strong background in notable radio markets like Nashville, Denver, Arizona, and “the other Portland.” Ramsey is a seasoned veteran who brings his extensive on-air experience to Portland to connect with local country fans.

“I’m fired up, grateful, and beyond excited to wake up with Portland every weekday morning on 98.7 The BULL!” said Ramsey.

Jake Byron returns to The Bull and to morning radio. Byron spent over a decade at 98.7 The Bull and is excited to return; his return is a homecoming both personally and professionally.

“Connoisseur Media is making possible what I only dared to dream; a return to the daypart I called home for 15 years,” Byron said. “I am so proud and excited to be part of 98.7 The Bull
once again!”

Rounding out the team is Mallory Santic, a social media influencer and former Love Island contestant. Mallory brings a digital-first perspective and a deep love of country music. She will enhance the new show with a modern, community-driven voice.

“I’m so excited to be part of launching a new morning show on 98.7 The Bull,” said Santic. “I love Portland, I love country music, and I can’t wait to start mornings with listeners and connect with the city we call home.”

Station leadership emphasized that this new show reinforces a strong commitment to being local — an important element for a successful morning show. Being “local” isn’t just news and weather, it’s about being part of the heartbeat of the city and allowing the listeners to be a part of the fabric of the station. It’s a personal connection that can’t be matched any other way than with live local programming.

“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, Portland Operations Manager.

That commitment extends company-wide. Since acquiring Alpha Media’s Portland stations, Connoisseur Media has made strengthening local presence a top priority, for Portland and many other markets in the company’s portfolio.

“Connoisseur Media, since our purchase of Alpha, has been going from market to market to add a stronger local presence,” said Keith Dakin, SVP of Programming. “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.”

With local content, diverse perspectives, and a shared passion for country music, the new morning show on KUPL 98.7 The Bull will be more than music and entertainment—it will serve the community as a trusted friend and companion, and the soundtrack for Portland’s morning routine.