WTOP Announces Launch Date of Daily Local News Podcast
DMV Download to release first episode Tuesday, April 19
Washington, D.C. – March 30, 2022 – WTOP News will officially launch its new daily local news podcast, DMV Download, on April 19, 2022.
DMV Download is the first daily podcast that dives deeper into the biggest and most interesting news stories impacting Washingtonians – from Anacostia to Ashburn, Silver Spring to Upper Marlboro.
Each weekday afternoon, co-hosts Megan Cloherty and Luke Garrett will go in-depth on the top local stories delivering listeners more context, background and perspectives around the topics leading the news in the region.
“In 20 minutes, we’ll offer listeners context on the day’s biggest stories, going past the headlines with our deep bench of sources and reporters,” said DMV Download host and investigative reporter, Megan Cloherty. “In my mind, if we can wrap up your workday with dependable, interesting content about our community, we’ve done our job.”
Cloherty has been with WTOP for the past 10 years, the last two of which she has served as WTOP’s Investigative Reporter. Cloherty will continue to look deeper into issues impacting the DMV in her new role as DMV Download host and producer. Cloherty is also the co-creator and host of season one of WTOP’s award-winning true-crime podcast, 22 Hours: An American Nightmare. Prior to WTOP, Cloherty worked as a local TV reporter in Oregon and Missouri, and freelanced for CNN Newsource.
Garrett came to WTOP in 2020 after graduating from the University of San Diego, where he studied physics and philosophy, and served as Editor-in-Chief of the student newspaper, The USD Vista. Over the past two years, Garrett has served as a producer at WTOP and host of the weekly Is It Normal Yet?! podcast, focused on the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
“DMV Download pulls back the curtain and brings you into the WTOP newsroom. You’ll hear Megan and I have honest conversations with reporters and guests about what’s going on in our area and why it matters. Our goal is to help us all better understand what makes this place we call home tick.”
Both Cloherty and Garrett are DC natives.
“Launching the DMV Download highlights WTOP’s continued focus on innovation with an investment in two accomplished and respected journalists excited to bring a fresh, local news podcast to life for the DC area,” said WTOP Director of Content Integration and Operations, Craig Schwalb.
The podcast will be released weekday afternoons on all major podcast platforms including Apple, Google Play, Spotify and the PodcastDC app.
For exclusive updates on the DMV Download podcast and access to contests and prizes, become a DMVip. Visit our website today and subscribe for our email updates. You can also follow us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter.
DMV Download is sponsored by Steamfitters Local 602 — changing the lives of thousands of pipefitters, pipe welders, HVAC, control, and refrigeration technicians all across the DMV.
“Through our partnership with WTOP we have the opportunity to share how Steamfitters Local 602 can help add value to the community, local contractors, and local building owners, and how we can improve the lives of workers and their families throughout the DMV area,” said Chris Madello, SF602 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Treasurer. “We are excited to be partnering with WTOP for the DMV Download because WTOP is also focused on serving the DMV by covering the stories and addressing the local issues that the community cares about.”
About WTOP News
WTOP serves the Washington D.C. metro area 24/7 with top news, traffic and weather. WTOP can be heard on 103.5 FM, 107.7 FM and 103.9 FM. WTOP’s live stream and news content are also available on any device at WTOP.com, the WTOP app and on smart speakers like Alexa and Google Home. WTOP and its partner organization, Federal News Network, are owned by Hubbard Radio, LLC. WTOP produces over a dozen podcasts including 22 Hours: An American Nightmare (winner of a regional Edward R. Murrow Award), Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America and Target USA.
About Steamfitters Local 602
Steamfitters UA Local #602 represents the journeymen, apprentices and helpers who work in the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and process piping industry in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Learn more about Steamfitters Local 602 by visiting steamfitters-602.org.
Media Contacts:
Elly Rowe
202-895-5041
