CBS News Radio will end its partnership with Westwood One on Jan. 1, 2018 in favor of a new distribution and sales pact with Skyview Networks. CBS says the new exclusive multi-year agreement will allow CBS News Radio to strengthen its direct relationship with its affiliate stations and give it more in-house control of affiliate relations, marketing, sales, distribution and technology.
“CBS News Radio will continue to provide the best original news reporting while also delivering individual service directly to affiliates to assure that our partners succeed in today’s changing marketplace,” David Rhodes, president of CBS News, said in a press release.
Charles Pavlounis, CFO for CBS News, said the new agreement will strengthen the news network’s distribution and advertising sales efforts. “Westwood One has been a fantastic partner for many years, and we thank everyone there for their dedication to CBS News Radio,” Pavlounis said. “These changes will assure our 30 million weekly listeners that they will continue to get the highest level of quality journalism they are accustomed to, while also providing for new opportunities for growth.”
The announcement comes two days after Scottsdale, AZ-based Skyview inked a 10-year contract renewal with ABC Radio, securing national sales and broadcast distribution for ABC Radio through 2026. Skyview has handled distribution and advertising for ABC Radio since the radio programming supplier parted ways with Cumulus Media in 2014.
Skyview provides national sales and broadcast network solutions for national news organizations, sports franchises and syndicated radio. Its services include satellite distribution, network automation, affiliate relations, inventory management systems and national audio sales with ad solutions for radio, television, print, signage and the web.
“We are proud to forge a new partnership with CBS News Radio,” Skyview president Ken Thiele said. “This agreement powers CBS News Radio on sales and broadcast distribution operations to provide the finest and most accessible experience for affiliates, listeners and advertisers.”