Local Radio Networks Shifts to Skyview Networks; In Conjunction with ABC Radio, Companies to Provide Network Sales, Distribution and Content Opportunities
Angola, IN – July 11, 2018 – 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.
About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)
Local Radio Networks, Inc. (LRN) is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 music radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. LRN’s cloud-based Radio Velocity Control (RVC) technology delivers maximum custom localization and station owner controls that integrate seamlessly into most existing playout systems or can be used for all 24/7 automation needs. Steve Swick is Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer. Launched in 2015 with corporate headquarters in Angola, Indiana, LRN has expanded to offices in Dallas, TX, and operations and programming facility in Denver, CO.
About Skyview Networks
Skyview Networks is a broadcast technology and national network sales solutions company that provides services to ABC Radio, CBS News Radio, Local Radio Networks, professional and collegiate sports organizations and two state news networks. Founded in 1995, Skyview is based in Scottsdale, Arizona and focuses on providing best-in-class services that include satellite distribution, full network automation, inventory management systems and network audio sales. For more information, visit skyviewnetworks.com.
About ABC Radio
ABC Radio syndicates America’s largest commercial radio news network, ABC News Radio, along with the ABC Radio Lifestyle and Entertainment network and ABC Radio Digital to over 1650 radio stations and multiple digital distributors. ABC Radio reaches more than 76-million listeners each week across broadcast and digital audio platforms. ABC Radio is part of the Disney ABC Television Group. For more information: www.abcradio.com.
Media Contacts:
Skyview Networks:
Renee Smith
480-503-8702
Omar Thompson
214-546-4718
omart@1ninemedia.com
Local Radio Networks:
Renee Cassis
RC Communications Marketing
646-808-6505
ABC News Media Relations
Elizabeth Russo
212-456-7414
Elizabeth.russo@abc.com
