ABC News will be investing in their ABC Radio business as they transition their relationship from Cumulus Media to Skyview Networks this January. ABC Radio’s relationship with Cumulus is a result of Disney selling their radio business to Citadel Broadcasting. When Citadel went out of business, it’s assets became a part of Cumulus. With that relationship ending, ABC Radio is severing all remaining ties to the time when Disney owned ABC Radio stations. Here is the email from ABC News President James Goldston regarding the new era for ABC Radio:
Team,
Today we’re announcing the beginning of a new era at ABC Radio.
Starting in January we’re going to expand our operations to invest in new programming, take control of distributing and marketing our content and deepen our affiliate relationships. A new relationship with Skyview Networks will help us deliver our content and bolster our sales efforts as our distribution agreement with Cumulus Media comes to an end. These changes will help us invest in premium programming and continue to lead the industry in new ways to reach our loyal audience of over 50 million listeners a week.
As a powerhouse for news and information, it’s critical we’re superserving our audience everywhere and all the time. Stations count on our investigative reporting, exclusive interviews, unparalleled coverage of breaking news and entertainment and sports programming. Over many years ABC News Radio has built an unmatched track record for exceptional service and radio reports from around the world thanks to the outstanding work of everyone at ABC News. It’s one reason ABC News Radio was recently honored for journalistic excellence with two Edward R. Murrow awards, including its most prestigious award for overall excellence.
ABC News is, by far, the number one choice for radio news and information. We serve nearly 2000 stations nationwide and the most popular digital radio services, including iHeartRadio and Slacker Radio. As we move ahead we see tremendous opportunities and know that we will have to work even harder to ensure a bright future. We’re taking these important steps now to work more closely with our terrific, long-standing station partners and better position us for digital audio growth in the future.
I’m confident that with Steve Jones and his team leading the charge, there are exciting new opportunities and many more great days ahead at ABC Radio.
Jame