ABC is relaunching its radio services on January 1, 2015.
When its current distribution deal with Cumulus comes to an end, ABC will revamp its radio programming services under a new deal with Skyview Networks announced today.
ABC will continue to make its radio news programming available once Cumulus replaces it with its new CNN powered news service. It will also expand to create new radio programming based on other ABC owned properties such as Good Morning America, Dancing With The Stars, and Jimmy Kimmel Live. Skyview will handle advertising sales and satellite distribution for ABC.
The following memo was released by ABC News President James Goldston announcing the deal:
Today we’re announcing the beginning of a new era at ABC Radio.
Starting in January we’re going to expand our operations to invest in new programming, take control of distributing and marketing our content and deepen our affiliate relationships. A new relationship with Skyview Networks will help us deliver our content and bolster our sales efforts as our distribution agreement with Cumulus Media comes to an end. These changes will help us invest in premium programming and continue to lead the industry in new ways to reach our loyal audience of over 50 million listeners a week.
As a powerhouse for news and information, it’s critical we’re superserving our audience everywhere and all the time. Stations count on our investigative reporting, exclusive interviews, unparalleled coverage of breaking news and entertainment and sports programming. Over many years ABC News Radio has built an unmatched track record for exceptional service and radio reports from around the world thanks to the outstanding work of everyone at ABC News. It’s one reason ABC News Radio was recently honored for journalistic excellence with two Edward R. Murrow awards, including its most prestigious award for overall excellence.
ABC News is, by far, the number one choice for radio news and information. We serve nearly 2000 stations nationwide and the most popular digital radio services, including iHeartRadio and Slacker Radio. As we move ahead we see tremendous opportunities and know that we will have to work even harder to ensure a bright future. We’re taking these important steps now to work more closely with our terrific, long-standing station partners and better position us for digital audio growth in the future.
I’m confident that with Steve Jones and his team leading the charge, there are exciting new opportunities and many more great days ahead at ABC Radio.
