Focus On: Westwood One

In Sarah McBride's August 8, 2006 Wall Street Journal article titled, "Westwood One's Radio Revival," the journalist spoke with Peter Kosann, President and Chief Executive Officer, of Westwood One.

Westwood One supplies radio and television stations with information services and programming. It provides a broad range of programming and information services, which deliver audience to advertisers and also deliver traffic, news, talk, sports and entertainment programs to its affiliate stations.

Mr. Kosann spoke of content as the key to future growth. Quoting Mr. Kosann and Ms. McBride's article directly:

"I want our content to jump off the radio," he says. "So if you're in a car, even if you're distracted, even if you're on your cellphone, even if you've got your iPod, I want you to seek and scan for the Westwood One content."

Nothing jumps off he radio better than radio drama, comedy or suspense.

Imagine regularly scheduled dramatic programming supported by the performers being interviewed on Westwood One's Access Hollywood and ET Radio Minute. Add in appearances on America In the Morning with Jim Bohannon or First Light with Dirk Van. The shows' composers would be candidates for interviews on Westwood One's music shows. Toss in the potential for podcasts or web streaming and radio drama can have a broad impact across media companies.

Given the accessible cost of production, radio drama is a cost-effective means to produce entertainment that "jumps off the radio."

Rock on.
# 30 #