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Check out early entries in WTOP’s Neal Augenstein Impression Challenge!

We’re getting a taste of the creativity and the careful ear of WTOP’s listeners who have submitted early entries in WTOP’s ongoing contest — “Neal’s Signature Sound: The Augenstein Impression Challenge.“[connatix_element_embed script_id=63c8061205e6448c89eee61bad764c01 player_id=7bc491b4-922b-4e8d-b1b1-150648e80442 video_id=d60bc551-a992-4cc6-8e0b-404bb0f40e47 align=right]

Through the end of February, WTOP is inviting listeners to submit their best videotaped, 15-second impression of me doing my sign-off — “Neal Augenstein, WTOP News.” After a panel selects a winner, I’ll work with the winner to record a custom video or audio message, and WTOP will make a $1,000 donation to the American Lung Association.

Some of the early entries have been impressive.

Jeremy in Bethesda, Maryland, said he started listening to WTOP as a kid, which continued when he moved away for college and early jobs in his career:

“Nothing makes me feel like I’m back home in the DMV more than hearing the voices of Neal, Rob Woodfork, Reada Kessler, Brennan Haselton and the rest of the WTOP team!!”

Glad to have you back, Jeremy.

Bill in Germantown, Maryland, crafted a makeshift WTOP microphone flag to add authenticity. In his entry, submitted on the WTOP app, Bill wrote: “I absolutely love Neal Augenstein, and I am wishing him continued good health. Thanks for having such a great attitude and for a wonderful contest.”

Many thanks, Bill.

Andrew in Springfield, Virginia, said, “I have been a loyal listener since I was about 7 years old.”

The contest rules include the instruction to speak to the camera. “Please note that I did my best with this visually,” he wrote. “I am visually impaired, but hopefully this video will still be counted.”

Of course your video will be counted, Andrew — great inflection.

Isaac in Front Royal, Virginia, crafted a complete radio report for his entry — including a sound bite from his dog before his sign-off. Very fun and creative, Isaac.

We’ve got full contest details, and instructions on how to submit your impression, using the WTOP app, which is available on either Apple or Android.

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Declan Moore named president of WTOP and Federal News Network

Moore will replace Joel Oxley who announced his retirement earlier this year Washington, DC – August 21, 2026 – Hubbard | Media That Connects CEO Ginny Hubbard announced that Declan Moore is the new President/Market Manager for its Washington, DC cluster, which includes the historic WTOP, Federal News Network and the 2060 Digital Washington, DC office. Moore was most recently Head of International for Wondery, an Amazon company, where he led international strategy and expansion for their audio business across content, advertising, subscriptions and platform distribution. Prior to Wondery, Moore was with National Geographic in Washington, DC for 23 years where he served numerous roles including Chief Media Officer and President, Publishing and Digital Media for National Geographic Society and Chief Executive Officer of National Geographic Partners. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to build on the extraordinary legacy Joel Oxley has created here in Washington,” commented Moore. “WTOP, Federal News Network and 2060 Digital are exceptional brands with deep connections to the communities they serve throughout the National Capital Region. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with the talented teams here to build on those strengths and help these businesses continue to evolve and grow. I’m also enormously excited to join Ginny and the Hubbard leadership team, whose commitment to impartial, trusted journalism, strong local brands and long-term thinking really resonated with me throughout this process.
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