Broadcast Architecture (BA) President Allen Kepler and Clear Channel have agreed to allow Kepler to become the full owner. He has actually managed the firm since 2001. BA will continue as a programming research firm and operator of the Smooth Jazz Network. Meanwhile, United Stations Radio Networks announced a partnership with BA for affiliate relations and ad sales throughout the domestic U.S. The announcement comes jointly from USRN’s President/COO Jim Higgins and Kepler.
Based in LA, Broadcast Architecture has been supplying radio stations with research, programming and consulting services since 1988. This new deal also includes the company’s syndicated weekend programs, The Smooth Jazz Top 20 Countdown and Smooth Jazz Weekend. The company’s research clients are not included in the new agreement with USRN.
In making this announcement, Higgins expressed his excitement about the new deal commenting, “Our relationship with Broadcast Architecture goes back nearly 15 years, and we’re big believers in what they do. We also believe that there’s a fantastic opportunity in today’s radio climate to help them to expand the reach of their services as well as increase their revenue streams.”
Kepler added, “The team at United Stations completely understands our world both creatively and on the business side. Smooth Jazz remains the most unique format in radio and offers advertisers access to the most affluent and exclusive audience reached by the medium. We’re extremely excited about our future with USRN as our partner.”
