Local Radio Networks Pacts With Skyview Networks, ABC Radio To Provide Sales, Distribution, Content

LRN, Skyview, ABC Radio Pact

LOCAL RADIO NETWORKS (LRN) is collaborating with SKYVIEW NETWORKS and ABC RADIO to expand distribution, drive network sales revenue, and power additional content.  

SKYVIEW NETWORKS will provide its satellite distribution platform to become the exclusive network sales partner for LRN’s 24/7 music formats. ABC RADIO will provide its global resources to drive additional programming opportunities to LRN and its affiliates. The agreement between the parties is effective TUESDAY, JANUARY 1st, 2019. Earlier this year, LRN and ABC NEWS RADIO initiated their relationship with an arrangement to deliver ABC’s award-winning news to LRN affiliates.

LRN's affiliates include 12 music formats -- among them AC, Country, Top 40 and Rock -- along with localization, major-market talent, large libraries, and uncompressed audio.  The satellite technology provided by SKYVIEW NETWORKS amplifies the delivery options local radio owners and operators have at their fingertips. 

LRN CEO STEVE SWICK said, “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. ABC RADIO and STEVE JONES bring some very special content opportunities to the table, as well. 

“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.”

SWICK added for ALL ACCESS, "LRN is now peer-to-peer with the competition. Our collaboration with SKYVIEW’s advanced satellite delivery means thousands of radio stations have dual delivery platform options for broadcasting LRN’s industry-leading 24/7 music formats. The additional programming and news elements from ABC RADIO round out a top-quality experience for small and medium market owners who want major market talent and marquee brands on their stations."

SKYVIEW NETWORKS President KEN THIELE added: “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.”

In a comment to ALL ACCESS, THIELE added, "SKYVIEW NETWORKS’ distribution service goes beyond the satellite downlink of content.  SKYVIEW utilizes its proprietary software and technology to hook into the distribution platform, creating easier scheduling, trafficking, localization by market and format, and proof of performance.  LRN brings an exceptional product to the radio industry, and now with SKYVIEW’s distribution platform, it will have increased power to grow and compete using SKYVIEW’s state-of-the-art technology, infrastructure, and vast existing network."

Added ABC RADIO VP/GM STEVE JONES, “The 24/7 music format business is a storied part of ABC RADIO’s heritage, so this is a natural extension of the 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.”

JONES also told ALL ACCESS, "For many years, ABC RADIO produced 24/7 music formats.  LRN has the same commitment to content quality and customer service and we see the LRN relationship as a natural alignment with the ABC RADIO brand. Going forward, you can expect more syndication announcements from ABC RADIO involving programming across multiple formats."

And SKYVIEW's EVP/GM JEANNE-MARIE CONDO told ALL ACCESS that the sales outlook for 24/7 formats is "very positive, communities matter and the custom approach for each format allows special integrations for clients.  The demand is on an upswing from several angles from the affiliate and sales side --  daypartable inventory and more of it.  SKYVIEW is experiencing heavy demand loads on inventory so this will really help meet client needs.  The personalities with the formats are an attractive add to SKYVIEW and will help with total client integration."

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