ABC Radio and Skyview Networks are expanding their partnership beyond ABC News to launch a full suite of syndicated products for music and news/talk stations.
ABC Radio (not to be confused with the old ABC Radio Networks that was sold to Citadel and then Cumulus where it is now parts of Westwood One) will handle the talent acquisition and affiliate sales while Skyview will be responsible for national sales and distribution.
ABC Radio currently produces ABC News Radio, making certain ABC television product available for radio, digital content and showprep services.
ABC Radio and Skyview Networks are further aligning their considerable resources to identify, develop and syndicate talent and programs to broadcast radio. ABC Radio will assess talent Syndication opportunities for both music and news/talk formats and provide affiliate sales while Skyview Networks will handle national sales and distribution. The companies will begin immediately focusing on opportunities that can scale nationally.
“We are building on the momentum and tremendous success we’ve already seen in our existing partnership,” said Steve Jones, vice president and general manager of ABC Radio. “ABC Radio has always represented creative and innovative programming and we are excited to offer programmers and talent a new, stable business environment to grow and monetize their brands.”
ABC Radio currently has over 1,650 affiliates with partnerships across every major radio station ownership group. ABC Radio proudly produces ABC News Radio which has the #1 reach among all commercial news networks.
“The timing of our Syndication partnership couldn’t be more perfect,” said Ken Thiele, president of Skyview Networks. “We’ve heard from a significant number of programs and clearly there is a need for another Syndication option in the marketplace. We’re growing and continue to make substantial investments in technology and our staff, and it’s paying off. This new venture is really a reflection of the dynamic synergies between ABC Radio and Skyview, and our positive business trajectory.”
In July 2016, ABC Radio and Skyview Networks renewed their highly successful content, ad sales, affiliate sales and audio distribution agreement.
Skyview currently has national sales offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, Miami and Louisville.