Has one of the nation’s biggest owners of broadcast radio stations just taken a stance on classifying broadband internet access service as a “telecommunications service” under Title II of the Communications Act?
It’s just signed “a multi-pronged strategic partnership that recognizes the evolution of podcasting and video in today’s media landscape” with a company described as “a high-growth video platform and cloud services provider that creates an independent infrastructure” with a mission “to restore the internet to its roots by making it free and open once again.”
The tech company is Rumble, traded on Nasdaq, and the collaboration is designed to “unlock new opportunities” across Cumulus Media – including Westwood One and the Cumulus Podcast Network – and Rumble.com, including expanded distribution of content from both companies.
In a statement released on Tuesday (8/5), Cumulus said the initiative “reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation in digital media and their shared vision for the future of creator-driven content and monetization opportunities.”
Specifically, Rumble and Westwood One will collaborate to maximize advertising
opportunities for brand partners, packaging assets across each portfolio. This gives Cumulus-owned content “unique and exclusive multi-platform solutions,” as will be the case for Rumble.
Westwood One will also distribute audio and video content on Rumble’s video platform.
“This partnership represents a powerful alignment between two media innovators,” said Collin Jones, President of Westwood One and Executive VP of Corporate Strategy & Development at Cumulus Media. “By combining our premium podcast inventory with Rumble’s dynamic creator ecosystem, we’re creating a new frontier for host-read advertising that delivers authenticity, scale, and brand safety.”
Rumble, founded in 2013 and headed by CEO Chris Pavloski, added, “We’re excited to partner with Cumulus Media and Westwood One to bring advertisers closer to the creators and audiences they care about. This collaboration allows us to create new monetization opportunities for our creators while offering brands a trusted and effective way to connect with engaged communities.”
