Local Radio Networks is partnering with ABC Radio and Skyview Networks to expand its distribution and sales platforms.
Starting January 1, 2019, LRN’s twelve 24/7 music formats will be made available on Skyview’s satellite distribution network with ABC Radio handling marketing and making some of its talent available to Local Radio Networks programming. LRN already offers ABC News Radio programming to its affiliates.
Local Radio Networks offers Adult Contemporary, Hot Adult Contemporary, CHR, Mainstream Country (90s-Now), Superstar Country (80s-Now), Classic Country, Classic Rock, Classic Hits (70s-90s), Super Hits (60s-70s), Mainstream Rock, Mix (Variety Hits), and Adult Standards programming feeds.
In a move that will change the paradigm of the 24/7 music format business for small and medium market stations, Local Radio Networks (LRN) is collaborating with Skyview Networks and ABC Radio to expand distribution, drive network sales revenue and power additional content.
As part of the agreement, Skyview Networks will provide its advanced satellite distribution platform for unprecedented reliability and flexibility and become the exclusive network sales partner for LRN’s industry-leading 24/7 music formats. ABC Radio will provide its worldwide resources to drive additional programming opportunities to LRN and its affiliates. The agreement between the parties is effective January 1, 2019.
Twelve expertly programmed 24/7 music formats including AC, Country, CHR, and Rock along with localization, major market talent, large libraries, and uncompressed audio are hallmarks of the LRN affiliate experience. The satellite technology provided by Skyview Networks amplifies the delivery options local radio owners and operators have at their fingertips.
“This is really an exciting time for Local Radio Networks. Launching this relationship with ABC Radio and Skyview Networks allows us to expand our 24/7 programming footprint and distribute our music formats with dual delivery platforms of cloud-based and now satellite delivery via XDS smart receivers to potentially thousands of stations, effortlessly and efficiently,” said Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer, LRN. “Steve Jones and ABC Radio bring some very special content opportunities to the table, as well.”
Continued Swick, “With the addition of Skyview Networks’ distribution and network sales expertise, we’re able to elevate our business across radio dials. This transition reflects our commitment to deliver superior 24/7 music programming to small and medium market stations every day, while increasing the power and flexibility affiliates have locally.”
“We’re very pleased to welcome LRN to the Skyview family and deepen our relationship with ABC Radio. Skyview is in a tremendous period of growth, which is a result of dynamic partnerships and investments,” said Ken Thiele, President of Skyview Networks. “Our next-generation distribution technology allows us to provide the marketplace and local owners new and better 24/7 music formats from LRN, which is great news for the industry.”
“ABC Radio and Skyview welcome LRN. From a network sales perspective, we are experiencing heavy inventory demand and LRN’s music formats and market reach help deliver on the entertainment experiences brands are seeking,” said Jeanne-Marie Condo, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Skyview Networks. “At Skyview one of our strengths is providing advertisers custom integrations. LRN’s dynamic personalities really allow us to double-down and provide clients more of what they want.”
Earlier this year, LRN and ABC News Radio initiated their relationship with an arrangement to deliver ABC’s award-winning news to LRN affiliates.
Regarding the growing business relationship with LRN, Steve Jones, Vice President & General Manager, ABC Radio commented, “The 24/7 music format business is a storied part of ABC Radio’s heritage, so this is a natural extension of the ABC Radio brand. We’re already providing an ABC News Radio option for LRN affiliates, so taking this next step in our relationship just makes sense. Congratulations to Steve Swick on the growth of LRN and to Ken Thiele and the Skyview Networks team. This demonstrates our shared commitment to moving our business forward.”
Radio stations that would like more information on LRN may contact Donna Halverson at 214-307-5087 or donna@localradionetworks.com, or Jim Ortega at 720-500-3810 and jim@localradionetworks.com. ABC Radio will handle affiliate services for the news products. For ABC Radio affiliation information, contact Heidi Oringer at 212.456.5541 or heidi.b.oringer@abc.com.
