As RBR+TVBR first reported on June 30, a partnership between Skyview Networks and ABC Audio will be coming to an end at the end of 2023.
It is now known what ABC Audio’s plans are for 2024 and beyond, with respect to serving client broadcast radio stations.
ABC Audio is partnering up with LinkUp Communications Corporation to distribute news and entertainment content and advertising inventory to its network of more than 1,500 AM and FM affiliate radio stations, reaching more than 82 million listeners nationwide.
LinkUp will provide ABC affiliates with 24/7 distribution of ABC Audio content and advertising inventory through its network of XDS satellite and streaming receivers and Internet file-based distribution. The transition will take place over the next four months, and ABC Audio will provide regular communication to its affiliates to ensure a smooth transition from Skyview.
“We’re thrilled to team up with LinkUp to deliver our top-quality content to our valued affiliates,” ABC Audio VP Liz Alesse said. “LinkUp’s technical expertise, professionalism and commitment to service make them an ideal fit for ABC Audio, and we are excited to start this new chapter with them and our radio sales partners at Compass Media Networks.”
ABC Audio is home to ABC News Radio, which in addition to hourly newscasts provides its affiliates breaking news and special events coverage, long and short-form features, sportscasts, and access to audio cuts and correspondent pieces through its ABC Newscall service.
ABC Audio also creates audio, digital and social media content tailored for music formats and is made available via the ABC Air Power prep service and the ABC Power Portal video hub, published directly to station websites. Additionally, ABC Audio produces three-hour country and rock music holiday radio specials; and is the home to the syndicated offering “The Deja Vu Show,” hosted by WBLS-FM in New York air personality Deja Parker.
“We’re elated to be working with ABC Audio. ABC News has always provided radio with the finest news and entertainment content, and LinkUp is honored to now be a part of this,” said LinkUp Communications Corporation CEO Karen Johnson.
Since 2003, Linkup has provided technology products to broadcast radio.
The conclusion of the business relationship between Skyview and ABC Audio is somewhat of a surprise. As RBR+TVBR reported in July 2017, what was then known as ABC Radio agreed to an early extension of a content, ad sales, affiliate sales and audio distribution agreement. This signaled that their close relationship would continue through 2026.
Why is the agreement ending two years earlier than planned? A company representative who requested anonymity tells RBR+TVBR that while an agreement through 2026 was announced in 2017, the current agreement between ABC and Skyview Networks was set to conclude this year, and not in 2026.
A February 2023 incident, however, that led to service outages impacting ABC News Radio affiliates prevented stations from accessing live audio and spots via XDS. Why? Skyview Networks experienced “unauthorized access to its IT environment, resulting in interrupted technical services.”
LIBSYN TO HANDLE PODCAST AD SALES
In related news, ABC Audio has reached a multi-year podcast advertising deal with Libsyn’s AdvertiseCast. The ABC Audio library of podcasts includes daily news podcast “Start Here” and “Reclaimed: The Story of Mamie-Till Mobley.”
