Local Radio Networks (LRN) Debuts New 24/7 Music Format – “Superstar Country” in Tennessee and Illinois

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Angola, IN – April 16, 2018 — Local Radio Networks (LRN) is proud to announce Superstar Country, its newest professionally programmed 24/7 music format with maximum localization and top country radio talent. Superstar Country features hits from the 80s through today, with a focus on the genuine country stars and icons from the 1990s through 2000s, such as George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and more. Superstar Country also blends in current hits that are authentic to the true country sound.

Currently on WJDT, Rogersville, TN, and WIBV, Mt. Vernon, IL, Superstar Country targets a core 35-49 country radio audience, with a broad reach that resonates across the 25-54 demographic.

“We’ve rounded up the best national country radio talent and combined their voices with the most popular hits from the biggest country music stars, all with maximum localization,” observed Chris Reeves, Vice President of Programming for Local Radio Networks.

Hosts of LRN’s Superstar Country include:

  • Craig “Catfish” Hunter, previous Jones Radio Network and local Denver, Atlanta, San Jose, and Tampa on-air personality, will be the afternoon drive host
  • Maria “ChaCha” Chavez, former Westwood One Radio Networks and longtime Denver on-air host, will take on midday duties
  • Jenny D, previous Westwood One Radio Networks local Denver on-air talent, will be the evening host

With the addition of Superstar Country, LRN now offers thirteen 24/7 music formats. Stations interested in learning more about LRN’s 24/7 music formats may contact Donna Halverson at 214-307-5087 and donna@localradionetworks.com,or Jim Ortega at 720-500-3810 and jim@localradionetworks.com.

LRN’s cloud-based Radio Velocity Control (RVC) technology delivers maximum custom localization and station owner controls that integrates seamlessly into most existing playout systems or can be used for all 24/7 automation needs.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc. 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 and control. Steve Swick is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

Media Contact:

Renee Cassis | RC Communications Marketing

646-808-6505 | cassis2@msn.com

Major Market On-Air Talent Join Local Radio Networks Across Its 24/7 Music Formats

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New Talent Include Cara Carriveau, Catfish Hunter, Gregg Stone, and More

Angola, IN – April 2, 2018 — Following nine months of super-charged growth across operations, programming, affiliate sales, and office space, Local Radio Networks has expanded its on-air team with 15 additional major market and network talent across its 24/7 Music Formats.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for small and medium market stations across the country to have nationally recognized, major market, super talent on the air,” stated Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer of Local Radio Networks. “When combined with LRN’s maximum localization and control features, along with seamless integration capabilities, our affiliates are well-positioned to competitively take their markets.”

“We’ve assembled the highest quality on-air talent for LRN’s 24/7 Music Formats,” added Chris Reeves, Vice President of Programming for Local Radio Networks. “We’re excited to welcome them, and we’re looking forward to announcing more Music Formats soon.”

The new LRN talent are:

  • Cara Carriveau– Formerly of WLUP and WSHE, Chicago, takes on midday host duties for Classic Rock
  • Craig “Catfish” Hunter– Previous Jones Radio Network and local Denver, Atlanta, San Jose, and Tampa talent will be the afternoon host on a new, soon-to-be-announced Music Format
  • Gregg Stone– Former Westwood One Radio Networks and longtime local Denver on-air talent joins Classic Rock
  • Ryan “Tall Guy” Chase– Former Westwood One Radio Networks and longtime local Denver talent hosts afternoons on Classic Hits
  • Michael Gifford–  Previous Jones and Westwood One Radio Networks host and local Denver talent joins AC
  • John Gleason– Previous Jones and Westwood One Radio Networks host and local Denver talent takes on evening duties for Classic Country
  • Tim Jeffreys– 25 years on the air in San Francisco/San Jose, and most recently Program Director of KFOX, San Francisco, joins Classic Hits
  • Maria “ChaCha” Chavez– Former Westwood One Radio Networks and longtime Denver talent will be the midday host on a new, soon-to-be-announced Music Format
  • Andrew “Jaye” Cannon– Former Jones Radio Networks host is the evening talent on Mainstream AC
  • Jenny D– Previous Westwood One Radio Networks and local Denver talent will be the evening host on a new, soon-to-be-announced Music Format
  • Dennis Harrington– Former Jones and Westwood One Radio Networks host and local Denver talent will handle overnights on a new, soon-to-be-announced Music Format
  • Chad Blake– Former Jones and Westwood One Radio Network talent joins Classic Country
  • John Glenn– Former Waitt Radio Networks host and country radio Program Director joins Mainstream Country
  • Ray Michaels– Former CBS, Orlando, talent and Operations Manager/Program Director at numerous Florida radio clusters hosts middays on Classic Hits
  • Robb Rose– Currently with WSHE, Chicago, joins Mainstream Country

Stations interested in learning more about LRN’s 24/7 Music Formats may contact Donna Halverson at 214-307-5087 and donna@localradionetworks.com,or Jim Ortega at 720-500-3810 and jim@localradionetworks.com.

LRN’s cloud-based Radio Velocity Control (RVC) technology delivers maximum custom localization and station owner controls that integrates seamlessly into most existing playout systems or can be used for all 24/7 automation needs.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc. 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 and control. Steve Swick is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

Media Contact:

Renee Cassis | RC Communications Marketing

646-808-6505 | cassis2@msn.com

Local Radio Networks (LRN) Partners with SMARTS Broadcast Systems, Further Expanding Compatibility Options for its 24/7 Formats

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ANGOLA, IN, March 8, 2018 – Local Radio Networks (LRN) and SMARTS Broadcast Systems have entered into an arrangement that makes delivery of LRN’s highly localized 24/7 music formats compatible with the SMARTS Skylla System and easily available to all SMARTS Skylla affiliates.

“We’re delighted to partner with one of the best automation systems in radio,” stated Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer of Local Radio Networks. “SMARTS is known for exceptional customer service and state-of-the-art technology with localization capabilities, making them a perfect partner for LRN.”

“Music just appears; Playlists just appear; Current Voice Tracks just appear — all on your LRN-programmed Skylla like magic,” said Johnny Schad, Software Developer of SMARTS. “THIS is the elegant programming design for which Radio has been long waiting. Local Radio Networks provides quality music programming with none of the engineering complications or equipment needed for satellite automation. LRN has been an exceptional development partner and I think our mutual customers can look forward to more features in the future.”

LRN’s Radio Velocity Control (RVC) is a proprietary VPN-based technology that delivers maximum control for localization and customization, far exceeding the limitations of outmoded satellite downlinks. Designed by radio broadcasters for radio broadcasters, the RVC seamlessly integrates into existing playout and automation systems, provides 100 percent redundancy, flexible clocks with no mandatory fill positions, and a non-compressed music library with a broad variety of songs for each format.

Skylla is solid radio automation that accommodates satellite, music-on-hard-drive, auto recording, audio downloading, automation of sports (local and national), and more. Skylla’s main screen delivers big, readable text without overwhelming. Skylla is the work of seasoned radio professionals with decades of experience in front of mic’s, soldering under consoles, and designing radio automations systems. Skylla uses Linux, which has proven itself as the perfect, robust operating system for dedicated 24×7 industries like Radio.

Stations interested in learning more about LRN’s 24/7 music formats may contact Donna Halverson at 214-307-5087 and donna@localradionetworks.com,or Jim Ortega at 720-500-3810 and jim@localradionetworks.com. Stations interested in SMARTS Broadcast Systems’ Skylla may contact Dave Potratz or Henry Mowry at 800-747-6278 ext. 240.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc. is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. Steve Swick is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

About SMARTS Broadcast Systems

John and Jan Schad began SMARTS in the early 1980’s to solve problems with their own radio station in small town Northwest Iowa. Since then, our family-owned company continues to provide Traffic & Billing and Digital Audio Automation to customers world-wide.

Media Contact:

Renee Cassis

RC Communications Marketing

646-808-6505

cassis2@msn.com

Former Dial Global and Jones Media Exec Jim Ortega Joins Local Radio Networks

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Angola, IN, March 5, 2018 — Local Radio Networks (LRN) continues to expand its team of 24/7 radio format experts with the addition of Jim Ortega as Vice President of Affiliate Sales, announced Steve Swick, President and Chief Executive Officer of LRN. Ortega joins Donna Halverson, Vice President of Affiliate Sales, who until now has been handling national sales single-handedly. The addition of Ortega is another indicator of LRN’s aggressive advance in providing exceptionally programmed 24/7 music formats, customer service, and maximum localization technology to the radio industry.

“Our goal at LRN is always to super-serve the needs of local broadcasters,” stated Swick. “Jim’s background gives him a clear understanding of how to help local broadcasters maximize the benefits of LRN’s 24/7 music formats and our proprietary Radio Velocity Control (RVC) system. I am delighted to welcome him to our growing team.”

“The team that Steve is assembling at LRN is top-notch, and its innovative Radio Velocity Control (RVC) system has revolutionized local control of 24/7 music format broadcasts,” said Ortega. “I’m very excited and honored to be a part of this forward-thinking company.”

A seasoned radio professional, Ortega has held sales management positions at Dial Global and Jones Media, and worked in sales at WGN, Chicago. He has experience as a media broker and is a graduate of the Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) program from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

LRN’s cloud-based Radio Velocity Control (RVC) technology delivers maximum custom localization and, integrates seamlessly into most existing playout systems, or can be used for all a station’s automation needs.

Jim Ortega will be based at LRN’s new programming and operations center in Denver and can be reached at 720-500-3810 and jim@localradionetworks.com.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc. is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. Steve Swick is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

Media Contact:

Renee Cassis | RC Communications Marketing

646-808-6505 | cassis2@msn.com

Local Radio Networks Signs Exclusively with ABC News Radio, Bringing ABC’s Award-Winning News Service to Affiliates

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Angola, IN – February 14, 2018 – Local Radio Networks (LRN), the producer of 24/7 radio formats with maximum localization features, has signed with ABC News Radio to bring ABC’s award-winning service exclusively to LRN affiliates. LRN affiliates will have access to the worldwide resources of ABC News and ABC News Radio, including hourly newscasts from ABC News Now, ABC Digital and ABC Cuts.

“With ABC News Radio as our partner, LRN affiliates will receive world-leading, highly respected news, along with ultimate flexibility,” said Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer of Local Radio Networks, “LRN affiliates already experience maximum local control of their 24/7 format broadcasts, and now, with the freedom to choose from a variety of ABC News Radio options, they can continue to meet the specific needs of their individual markets.”

ABC News Radio is America’s largest commercial radio network reaching, over 76-million listeners each week across broadcast and digital audio platforms. This partnership allows affiliates to have the flexibility of running ABC News Radio newscasts wherever they deem it will be the most valuable for driving tune-in and keeping its listeners informed.

“We’re excited to provide LRN affiliates with our award-winning national and international news coverage along with powerful audio and digital tools for LRN affiliates to win with locally,” said Steve Jones, Vice President and General Manager, ABC Radio. “This partnership continues ABC Radio’s momentum with music radio stations seeking to provide their listeners with breaking news coverage from a trusted source.”

Radio stations that would like more information on Local Radio Networks may contact Donna Halverson, Vice President of Affiliate Sales, at 214-307-5087 or donna@localradionetworks.com. ABC News Radio will handle affiliate services for the news products. For ABC News Radio affiliation information, contact Heidi Oringer 212.456.5541 or heidi.b.oringer@abc.com.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)
Local Radio Networks, Inc. is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. Steve Swick is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

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, ABC Sports Radio 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.

Local Radio Network Media Relations
Renee Cassis
RC Communications Marketing
(646) 808-6505
cassis2@msn.com

ABC News Media Relations
Elizabeth Russo
(212) 456-7414
Elizabeth.russo@abc.com

Local Radio Networks Opens Programming Headquarters Near Denver Tech Center to Accommodate Rapid Expansion and Growth

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ANGOLA, IN – February 1, 2018 – Local Radio Networks (LRN) has opened Programming Headquarters in a deluxe executive-suites facility near the Denver Tech Center to accommodate its rapid expansion. Last year, in a highly publicized move, three executives exited Westwood One’s 24/7 formats division to join LRN, which is quickly gaining ground in the space. In addition to high quality programming and exceptional customer service, LRN’s state-of-the-art, cloud-based technology provides unprecedented local control, with an easy-to-use dashboard and effortless integration. Just last week, LRN announced 20 new affiliates, and many more announcements are imminent.

“We needed office space that could accommodate our new programming and operations teams and offer opportunities for expansion as we continue to grow,” stated Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer of Local Radio Networks and Swick Broadcasting. “Plus, Denver is the ideal location for supporting affiliates across all time zones, further enhancing our commitment to customized localization.”

“With programming and operations settled in the new offices, we can put greater focus on new content development and enlarging our national on-air talent pool,” added Chris Reeves, Executive Vice President, Programming & Operations for Local Radio Networks. “Since joining LRN six months ago, my team and I have witnessed a high level of satisfaction from affiliates… and we’re just getting ramped up, in a big way.”

LRN’s corporate headquarters remain in Angola, IN. Radio stations that would like more information on Local Radio Networks may contact Donna Halverson, Vice President of Affiliate Sales, at 214-307-5087 or donna@localradionetworks.com. 

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc. is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. Steve Swick is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

Media Contact:

Renee Cassis | RC Communications Marketing

646-808-6505 | cassis2@msn.com

He Was Unhappy With The Networks … So He Built His Own

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ANGOLA, IN, January 24, 2018 – Steve Swick is all about local. He’s about local when he’s running his eight radio stations. He’s about local when he’s dealing with his clients at Local Radio Networks. And he’s not a happy man when roadblocks are put in his way when he’s trying to execute great local radio.

Swick owns stations in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. He is also the founder, president, and CEO of Local Radio Networks. He launched the company two years ago, when his frustration with working with existing networks reached a boiling point. He felt they weren’t providing adequate customer service, and they had an attitude of “Where else are you going to, go little guy?”

Local Radio Networks is located in Michigan and provides 24/7 radio programming to small- and medium-market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. Most people who get frustrated by poor customer service will simply hang up the phone, muttering obscenities. Steve Swick launched a competitor.

To read the full article, please click here.

Local Radio Networks (LRN) Expands Its 24/7 Format Team with Three Exiting Westwood One Execs, Chris Reeves, Chris Hatton, and Jonathon Steele

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ANGOLA, IN, July 24, 2017 – Local Radio Networks (LRN) is proud to welcome Chris Reeves, Chris Hatton, and Jonathon Steele, three highly respected radio executives who have exited Westwood One to join LRN’s 24/7 format team. Reeves joins as Executive Vice President, Programming & Operations, Hatton becomes Director, 24/7 Creative Services, and Steele becomes Director, Programming Operations. LRN is known for its 12 professionally programmed formats and its advanced “RVC” Radio Velocity Control technology, which delivers maximum control and localization to station owners and operators.

In making the announcement, Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer of Local Radio Networks, stated, “It was very strategic in our planning to bring industry-known, high-caliber radio professionals with 24/7 format expertise to our expanding team. Chris, Jonathon, and Chris grasp the challenges of independent broadcasters, and understand their need for top-quality 24/7 programming with superior localization and owner/operator control features that allow them to better serve their markets. Our formats and proprietary technology are designed specifically with the local broadcaster in mind.”

“A Wall Street mentality has placed large radio broadcast corporations in a state of flux,” observed Reeves. “In my 22 years of working with broadcasters across the dial, I have witnessed the impact that has had on small and medium market owners and operators who have experienced stale technology and a tremendous loss of quality programming essential for remaining competitive,” he added.

“LRN has raised the bar with its excellently programmed 24/7 formats that sound live and local, and its ‘RVC’ automation and deployment technology that is second to none in the industry.” continued Reeves. “I am excited about joining LRN and focusing exclusively on providing small and medium market radio owners and operators with a top-quality 24/7 network product that keeps them relevant in their markets and competitive in the ever-changing media landscape.”.

A 22-year network radio professional, Reeves was most recently VP of Programming Operations at Westwood One. Prior to that, he held operations positions at Dial Global and Waitt Radio Networks, and began his career at Radio One Networks.

Hatton has been in network radio for nearly 20 years. He has worked as on-air talent across multiple 24/7 formats as well as in production, imaging, and operations at Radio One Networks, Waitt Radio Networks, and Westwood One.

Steele has 25 years of experience across broadcast radio. In addition to programming for the Jones and Waitt Radio Networks, he was Director of Operations for Westwood One’s formats for the last 6 years. Steele also operated a cluster of stations, providing him with a great chance to see the business from both sides.

The revolutionary LRN delivery system, “RVC” Radio Velocity Control, is a proprietary VPN-based technology that delivers maximum control for customization and localization, far exceeding the limitations of outmoded satellite downlinks. The RVC is designed by radio broadcasters for radio broadcasters and is user-friendly. Moreover, the RVC integrates seamlessly into existing playout and automation systems, provides 100 percent redundancy, flexible clocks with no mandatory fill positions, and a non-compressed music library with a broad variety of songs for each format.

Stations interested in learning more about LRN’s 24/7 formats may contact Donna Halverson, Vice President of Affiliate Sales, at 214-307-5087 or donna@localradionetworks.com. Chris, Jonathon, and Chris, can be reached via the LRN main number at 720-689-1099.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc. is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. Steve Swick is Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

Local Radio Networks (LRN) Accelerates Its 24/7 Format Affiliate Growth with 13 New Stations

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LOCAL RADIO NETWORKS (LRN) ACCELERATES ITS 24/7 FORMAT AFFILIATE GROWTH WITH 13 NEW STATIONS.

ANGOLA, IN, May 11, 2017 – Local Radio Networks, Inc. (LRN) has increased its 24/7 format affiliate base with 13 recently added stations. LRN offers 12 different 24/7 format choices, expertly programmed by radio pros and hosted by award-winning on-air personalities.

The 13 new affiliates are: KKGQ-FM, KIBB-FM, and KVWF-FM, Wichita, KS; WVIG-FM, Terre Haute, IN; KSAL-AM and FM, Salina, KS; KZMA-FM and KLUE-FM, Poplar Bluff, MO; KABI-AM, Abilene, KS; KZRD-FM, Dodge City, KS; WAUC-AM, Wauchula, FL; and WMYQ-FM, Moorhead, MS.

“My stations sound great and totally local,” said Larry Fuss, President of Delta Radio, who broadcasts LRN Hot Country and Classic Country formats on his stations, including the newly added WMYQ-FM.

“We developed LRN’s formats at a higher level of excellence than what is typically in the market,” stated Steve Swick, Chief Executive Officer of Local Radio Networks. “LRN’s formats are designed to help broadcasters become more profitable by providing unprecedented localization, superior technology, and unparalleled customer service.”

“We are the best local radio we can be, with the best professional sounding on-air talent we can have — that is exactly what we’ve been able to do with our teammates at LRN. It’s just that simple,” added Christopher Miller, President of Rocking M Media, LLC, who carries LRN programming and formats on 27 of his stations.

The revolutionary LRN delivery system, Radio Velocity Control (RVC), is a proprietary VPN-based technology that delivers maximum control for customization and localization, far exceeding the limitations of outmoded satellite downlinks. The RVC is designed by radio broadcasters for radio broadcasters and is user-friendly. Moreover, the RVC integrates seamlessly into existing playout and automation systems, provides 100 percent redundancy, flexible clocks with no mandatory fill positions, and a non-compressed music library with a broad variety of songs for each format.

To learn more about LRN or to schedule a demo, contact Donna Halverson, Vice President, of Regional Affiliate Sales at 214-307-5087, or donna@localradionetworks.com.

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)

Local Radio Networks, Inc. is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content.  Steve Swick is Founder, President and CEO. Will Mashione is Co-Founder and Chief Information Officer.

Media Contact:

Renee Cassis

RC Communications Marketing

646-808-6505

cassis2@msn.com

Local Radio Networks Signs 21 Station Deal with Rocking M Media

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Rocking M Media, LLC joins Local Radio Networks, INC.
Local Radio Networks, INC. adds 3 New 24/7 Music Formats.

ANGOLA, IN, AUGUST 11, 2016 – Local Radio Networks, Inc. (LRN) has added Rocking M Media, LLC to its growing list of affiliates. Rocking M Media’s stations are located throughout the state of Kansas and they have been a long- time client of a well-established format provider but decided to make the switch after much research. LRN is providing EIGHT 24/7 music formats to Rocking M’s (21) music broadcast stations.

“The level of support and the quality of the product that we have received from Local Radio Networks….if I had to rate it on a scale of one to ten…..would be a twelve,” says Christopher Miller, President Rocking M Media, LLC.

LRN also has recently added three new programing formats: Contemporary Hit Radio, Classic Hits and Mainstream Rock Radio to their already existing formats: Adult Contemporary, Hot Adult Contemporary, Mainstream Country, Classic Country, Classic Rock, and Oldies to meet the growing needs of radio broadcasters.

LRN was established to help stations become more profitable by reducing operating expenses while maximizing the local feel of every station with first class talent. LRN is powered by a revolutionary VPN-based delivery technology known as RVC – Radio Velocity Control.

To learn more about LRN or to schedule a demo, contact Donna Halverson Direct Line (214) 307-5087, Email: donna@localradionetworks.com

About Local Radio Networks (www.localradionetworks.com)
Local Radio Networks, Inc. is a Michigan limited liability company that provides 24/7 radio programming to small and medium market stations, helping them reduce operating costs and maximize localized content. Steve Swick is founder, President and CEO. Will Mashione is Chief Information Officer and co-founder.

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