LRN + Skyview + ABC Radio
• 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 this agreement, which, in the stirring words of the press release, “will change the paradigm of the 24/7 music format business for small and medium market stations,” Skyview Networks will provide its advanced satellite distribution platform and become the exclusive network sales partner for LRN’s 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. You may recall that earlier this year, LRN and ABC News Radio initiated their relationship with an arrangement to deliver ABC’s award-winning news to LRN affiliates.
“This is really an exciting time for Local Radio Networks,” said Steve Swick, CEO of LRN. “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. Steve Jones and ABC Radio bring some very special content opportunities to the table, as well.”
Ken Thiele, President of Skyview Networks, said, “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. 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.”
Steve Jones, VP/GM of 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.”
• For more information on LRN, contact Donna Halverson at 214-307-5087 and 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 info, contact Heidi Oringer at 212.456.5541 or heidi.b.oringer@abc.com.
