Following its previously announced move from Skyview Networks at the end of 2023, ABC Audio has announced LinkUp Communications Corporation will distribute its content. The deal follows ABC’s previously announced deal with Compass Media Networks to handle radio sales inventory.
ABC Audio has also announced a deal with Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast to handle podcast advertising inventory.
ABC Audio announced today it is partnering with LinkUp Communications Corporation to distribute news and entertainment content and advertising inventory to its network of more than 1,500 AM and FM affiliate radio stations, reaching more than 82 million listeners nationwide.
“We’re thrilled to team up with LinkUp to deliver our top-quality content to our valued affiliates,” said Liz Alesse, vice president of ABC Audio. “LinkUp’s technical expertise, professionalism and commitment to service make them an ideal fit for ABC Audio, and we are excited to start this new chapter with them and our radio sales partners at Compass Media Networks.”
ABC Audio is home to ABC News Radio, the nation’s largest commercial radio news network and the winner of the 2023 Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Radio. In addition to hourly newscasts, ABC News Radio provides its affiliates best-in-class live breaking news and special events coverage, long and short-form features, sportscasts, and around-the-clock access to audio cuts and correspondent pieces through its ABC Newscall service.
In addition to traditional news content, ABC Audio creates premium audio, digital and social media content tailored for the top music formats and available via the ABC Air Power prep service and the ABC Power Portal video hub and published directly to station websites. ABC Audio also produces three-hour country and rock music holiday radio specials.
ABC Audio is home to “The Deja Vu Show,” a nationally syndicated radio show hosted by Deja Parker, winner of the 2023 Gracie Award for Nationally Syndicated Commercial Radio Show. Deja also hosts a top-rated radio show on New York City’s WBLS and is the announcer on the daytime talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Mark.”
“We’re elated to be working with ABC Audio. ABC News has always provided radio with the finest news and entertainment content, and LinkUp is honored to now be a part of this,” said Karen Johnson, LinkUp Communications Corporation CEO.
“Our task at LinkUp is to complement ABC Audio’s programming with reliable distribution platforms and support. We’ll be leaning heavily into our decades of technology experience to elevate their distribution to the next level,” added Mark Johnson, president of LinkUp.
Linkup has provided technology solutions to enable broadcasters for over 20 years. Utilizing proven industry-leading platforms and experienced teams, LinkUp will provide ABC affiliates with 24/7 distribution of ABC Audio content and advertising inventory through its established network of XDS satellite and streaming receivers and Internet file-based distribution. The transition will take place over the next four months, and ABC Audio will provide regular communication to its affiliates to ensure a smooth transition from the previous provider.
ABC Audio announced today an exclusive, multiyear podcast advertising deal with Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast, the industry’s premier podcast advertising marketplace connecting ad buyers and content creators. This strategic partnership will position ABC Audio’s award-winning podcast portfolio for continued growth.
“ABC Audio’s podcast business is flourishing, and we’re poised to make several exciting content announcements this fall,” said Liz Alesse, vice president of ABC Audio. “We’re thrilled to have AdvertiseCast in our corner as we expand our podcasting footprint even further and take this business to new heights.”
ABC Audio’s diverse library of podcasts features ABC News’ flagship daily news podcast “Start Here,” winner of the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Sound in 2022 and 2023, as well as “Reclaimed: The Story of Mamie-Till Mobley,” which won the 2023 Edward R. Murrow Award for Podcasting. ABC Audio also offers listeners a robust true-crime collection that includes “The King Road Killings,” “Truth and Lies” and “20/20.”
In addition to its library of original podcasts, ABC Audio collaborates with partners across The Walt Disney Company to create best-in-class audio content, including the recently announced “Disney’s Frozen Podcast: Forces of Nature,” a first-of-its-kind audio extension of the classic film created in partnership with Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney Animation Studios.
“We are excited to embark on this strategic, exclusive advertising partnership with ABC Audio, a true icon in the media industry,” said Dave Hanley, chief revenue officer of Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. “By combining our expertise in podcast advertising with ABC Audio’s authoritative voice and content, we are confident that this partnership will deliver unparalleled value to listeners and advertisers alike.”
With a commitment to excellence in journalism and storytelling, ABC Audio podcast advertisers can feel confident that their brands will be represented alongside top-quality content. AdvertiseCast will offer advertisers a combination of host-read and programmatic options that will be seamlessly incorporated into ABC Audio’s podcasts.
For more information or to advertise in ABC Audio’s portfolio of podcasts, please reach out to [email protected].
