^{Janet Mefferd}

She’s been billed as the fastest growing Christian radio host in national syndication and the embodiment of “The Next Generation of Christian Talk.” On Monday, Janet Mefferd returns to the Chicago station where it all started for her.

Salem Broadcasting Christian talk WYLL-AM (1160) has signed on as 100th‚ affiliate of “The Janet Mefferd Show,” airing from 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays. The Dallas-based talk show replaces local host Sandy Rios, who left WYLL Friday to move to Washington, D.C., with her husband, an FBI agent who’s been reassigned. As of Aug. 30, the third hour of Mefferd’s show will air on tape-delay from 6 to 7 p.m.

For Mefferd, 42, it’s a homecoming on WYLL, where she began her radio career 20 years ago. The native of northwest suburban Mount Prospect and graduate of Baylor University also wrote for the Daily Herald and the Southtown Economist (since renamed the Daily Southtown), among other publications.

Her show, which claims to take “a Christ-centered look at the news and events of the day both in the church and in the world,” has been nationally syndicated since February when it replaced Salem Radio Network’s Janet Parshall, who’s now heard on Chicago-based Moody Radio. Tom Tradup, vice president of news and talk programming for Salem Radio Network, said in a statement:

“Janet Mefferd has hit the reset button on nationally syndicated Christian talk shows since her premiere in February, and we are thrilled she now adds her native Chicago to the cities enjoying her compelling, cutting-edge programming. Janet’s fresh, upbeat approach to everything from theology to politics to pop culture — drawing on her experiences as a broadcaster, journalist, and mother of four — is tailor-made for Chicago’s afternoon audience.”

Added Jeff Reisman, general manager of WYLL:

“I am thrilled to welcome Janet Mefferd back to Chicago and AM 1160.‚  Janet has worked in Christian radio for more than 20 years; she has a strong command of the issues and will offer unique compelling content every day.‚ Janet is plugged into the pulse of Christian talk and is an ideal addition to the station’s afternoon lineup.”