After killing the Westwood One brand during the 2011-12 NFL playoffs and telling the world that Dial Global was now the syndicator of all things Westwood One. This included all of the sports programming Dial Global inherited from Westwood One after the companies merged. I wrote an article at Awful Announcing this week on the repositioning of Westwood One following Dial Global’s original rebranding.
Well, after careful consideration and as Dial Global is about to merge with Cumulus Media, we learn that Dial Global is bringing back Westwood One this week and all NFL programming will be under the umbrella of the new/old name.
It’s not so confusing. Radio listeners have been familiar with Westwood One dating back to the 1970’s when it was exclusively syndicating content to rock stations. Now, it’s a huge company that has music, news, sports and talk programming under its auspices.
So here’s the new press release announcing that Westwood One is back.
Dial Global Changes Name to WestwoodOne; Revives Iconic Audio Brand
Leads Audio Industry with Unrivaled Programming and Unique Cross-Platform Integration; Commissions First Industry Study on Power of Sound
NEW YORK, NY, September 4, 2013 – Dial Global, the largest independent national audio media company in the U.S., has announced that it has changed its name to WestwoodOne. The company will continue to lead the marketplace with unparalleled programming and client service under the esteemed WestwoodOne brand. The media company’s 225 million consumers will still have access to exclusive national radio coverage including: The NFL, Olympic Games, Barclays Premier League, and the GRAMMY Awards.
“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as Dial Global. Through our belief in the power of sound we are dedicated to continuously reinventing the industry and creating the most dynamic audio programming that connects people to their passions,” said Paul Caine, CEO of Dial Global. “With the audio industry’s ever-changing landscape we know we’ve just scratched the surface of what’s possible for audio’s broad consumption. By reclaiming and reviving an iconic audio brand name, we are not changing who we are, but accelerating the great work we are doing to contribute to the growth of audio.”
As part of its commitment to the audio community, the company has commissioned an industry study on the “power of sound,” aimed at better understanding consumers, their behavior, and their interaction with audio. The study builds on current recency data proving radio as the most used medium closest to point-of-purchase and will explore trends in audio consumption based on behavioral tendencies among various demographics. Full study results are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2013. Preliminary findings further the notion that audio is an integral part of the new media landscape.
Since Paul Caine took the helm of Dial Global in March 2013, the company has made significant strides in expanding its sports and entertainment programming and continued to develop innovative cross-platform marketing solutions, including:
- An exclusive terrestrial, three-season partnership with talkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station based in London, U.K., to broadcast live coverage of Barclays Premier League, FA Cup, and Capital One Cup.
- A major milestone for its NBC Sports Radio program; signing a total of 347 affiliate stations.
- And the company’s most recent announcement of its merger with Cumulus Media that is planned to be completed by the end of the year.
In the coming days, partners and consumers can expect to see a new website, social media presence, corporate logo, and marketing materials to reflect the new WestwoodOne brand.
That is all.
