Republican J. Kenneth Blackwell is joining the conservative news and opinion Web site Townhall.com as a contributing editor and also will produce weekly 60-second commentaries for a national radio network.

Salem Communications, which owns Townhall.com and the Salem Radio Network, made the announcement today.

"Ken Blackwell is one of the most talented and passionate conservative leaders in America," Hugh Hewitt, Townhall.com executive editor and host of a daily nationally syndicated radio show, said in a release. "We are honored that he has chosen Townhall.com to be his online intellectual home."

Blackwell, the former Ohio Secretary of State who lost a bid for governor last fall, will write a weekly column for Townhall.com and provide a weekly 60-second radio commentary for the Salem Radio Network, the company said.

Salem owns WRFD (880 AM) locally as well as four stations in Cleveland and one in Youngstown.

"Townhall.com is the preeminent umbrella site for conservatives because it combines the time-tested power of talk radio with the cutting-edge power of the blogosphere," Blackwell said in the release. "It's a tremendously potent combination, which is why I'm so happy to be a part of this outstanding organization."

Salem Communications said it targets audiences interested in “Christian and family-themed content and conservative values.”

Blackwell also is writing papers and speaking for the conservative research group Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions on issues including taxes, energy and education.