TM Studios Vets Buy TM From Westwood One
• Major Triad Media, a partnership consisting of three longtime TM Studios’ veterans — Creative Director Dave Bethell, former VP of Creative Chris “UK” Stevens, and legendary jingle icon and current GM Greg Clancy, announced the acquisition of world-renowned jingle and production music house TM Studios from Westwood One. TM now transitions from being a Dallas-based company to a multi-national entity with studios in Dallas, Los Angeles and the UK. TM Studios will continue to work with Westwood One, with a multi-year agreement to serve as exclusive barter representative to seamlessly serve existing clients.
“From listening to TM jingles on my local radio station in England when I was a kid to becoming a fan, I’ve always wanted to work for TM,” said Bethell. “Eventually it was the place where I had my big jingle break back in 2005. I’ve written and produced for TM Studios continuously ever since. As co-owner I’m excited to tell the next chapter of TM’s incredible story with our perfect new partnership.” Stevens said, “I’m so excited to be part of the team to take TM’s legendary name into a new chapter, and from my home country, no less. It’s been 15 years since I originally relocated from London to Dallas to work with TM. It’s a dream come true to become part of the new ownership team.”
“I vividly remember watching my dad sing in TM vocal sessions as a kid and had my first vocal session at TM as a 12-year old boy,” said Clancy. “I began singing for Tom Merriman and Jim Kirk at 23, straight out of college. Just imagine what this moment means to me. We are standing on the shoulders of giants and can’t wait to grow and extend the TM legacy.” Suzanne Grimes, EVP of Marketing, Cumulus Media and President, Westwood One added, “Greg, Dave, and Chris each have a special and unique history with TM Studios. They are the perfect team to lead TM through its next incarnation. We look forward to the magic they will create and to continued success working with them.”
Interestingly, the transaction was finalized on the 30th anniversary of the original merger between TM Productions and Century 21 Productions, which became TM Century, Inc., a predecessor to TM Studios.
