On June 30, it was confirmed that a partnership between Skyview Networks and ABC Audio will be coming to an end at the end of 2023 — a decision that many believe is tied to a purported system intrusion brought things to a halt for ABC News Radio and its affiliates in late January.
On Wednesday, ABC Audio revealed where it is moving its business to on January 1, 2024.
The Walt Disney Company-owned producer of radio news, entertainment content and podcasts has selected Compass Media Networks to serve as its exclusive advertising representative for commercial radio inventory and sponsorships.
The shift impacts some 1,500 radio affiliates and digital distributors. And, while Skyview’s relationship is in place through December 31, the marketing of commercial inventory across ABC Audio has already commenced for Compass.
With the new agreement, national advertising sponsors may purchase commercial inventory across all 1,500+ ABC Audio affiliated stations and/or via a variety of national audio networks based on demographics and daypart. More than 65% of ABC Audio’s inventory affiliate base is comprised of FM music stations, and the majority of the commercial inventory broadcasts in prime-time dayparts, ABC says.
“We are thrilled to usher in a new phase of growth for ABC Audio with the announcement of our strategic partnership with Compass Media Networks,” said Liz Alesse, an ABC Audio VP. “ABC News Radio remains steadfast in its mission to provide our news affiliates incisive, up-to-the-minute headlines, and we’re equally committed to creating top-tier entertainment content. By maintaining our high standards in these areas, we do more than just serve our stations ― we also create exceptional opportunities for our advertisers.”
In addition to ABC News Radio, ABC Audio offers the syndicated offering “The Deja Vu Show” and creates and curates multi-format audio, digital and social media content for FM stations.
“Christmas has come early for us and our national sponsors,” gushed Peter Kosann, CEO and founder of Compass Media Networks, created in 2009 by the former Westwood One chief executive. “ABC Audio represents some of the most iconic brands and media assets in the world, and we will move mountains to be a wonderful ambassador and advocate for our new partner.”
Paul Gregrey, President of Advertising and Marketing at Compass, added, “This is another wonderful addition to our portfolio that will help our clients achieve their audio marketing and media objectives.”
PORTNOY PIVOTS FROM CBS
The partnership between ABC Audio and Compass comes as Steven Portnoy is rejoining ABC News Radio as a national correspondent based in Washington, D.C.
Portnoy is an award-winning journalist with over two decades of experience reporting on politics and breaking news. Previously, Portnoy was a White House correspondent at Skyview Networks-distributed CBS News Radio, where he reported on the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, the administrations of President Biden and former President Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection.
During his first stint at ABC News, Portnoy was a Washington correspondent for ABC News Radio, providing in-depth coverage of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden.
