For a generation of radio broadcasting industry professionals, the name “Infinity” may conjure up images of Mel Karmazin, Howard Stern, The Don & Mike Show and Opie & Anthony. Now, the Infinity name is returning thanks to the company that merged with CBS Radio — the successor to the original Infinity Broadcasting.
At the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville, which begins Wednesday, Audacy is introducing Infinity Networks, described by the privately held audio content creation and distribution company with majority interest held by Soros Fund Management as “a network services and content platform that will make best-in-class shows, talent and content available to other broadcasters, national audiences and network advertisers.”
Infinity Networks will serve as “a dedicated syndication provider for local broadcast brands, with the goal of establishing a large portfolio of affiliate partnerships across the industry.”
And, Audacy believes Infinity Networks will provide affiliates access to “high-quality programming and resources to drive local station partners’ audience engagement and advertiser relationships.”
Overseeing the rollout of Infinity Networks is Audacy COO Susan Larkin.
“The launch of Infinity Networks underscores Audacy’s commitment to delivering exceptional local programming to national audiences,” she said. “Infinity Networks gives stations access to premium music-based shows and talent that captivate listeners, elevate ratings and drive revenue. We look forward to building partnerships with affiliates to extend the reach of our top-tier shows and talent across the country.”
Infinity Networks will exist as an independent brand and at its launch will feature two flagship programs: “Katie & Company,” featuring Katie Neal, offered to Country radio stations; and “The Rob + Holly Show,” another Country radio offering featuring hosts Rob Stone and Holly Hutton.
Concurrently, Infinity Networks will serve as the exclusive U.S. affiliate and barter representation partner of SPARC Media Hub, a content workflow solution for radio stations that includes promotions, prep, text messaging, production and phone screening tools.
