The CBS Audio Network has enjoyed a partnership with Phoenix-based Skyview Networks since 2018.
That relationship will now continue for the next several years, as the two parties have renewed their network sales and distribution agreement.
With the new deal, Skyview and the ViacomCBS-owned news brand intend to further develop the CBS sales strategy, which the companies say “leverages its personalities and influencers” in both long-form and short-form programming.
“Our CBS Audio Network partnership with Skyview Networks strengthens our ability to drive sales efforts,” said Craig Swagler, VP/GM for CBS Audio Network and CBS News Radio. “This collaboration continues to assure our 23 million weekly listeners that they will continue to get the highest level of quality journalism they are accustomed to, while also providing for new opportunities for growth.”
Jeanne-Marie Condo, EVP/GM of Skyview Networks, added, “CBS Audio Network’s commitment to collaborating with the agencies and advertisers has been key to their success. The CBS team is incredibly creative and expert in using Viacom/CBS’s assets to produce unique content that is highly sought after in the ad community. We have hit our stride together and look forward to more significant growth and new opportunities ahead.”
Also commenting is Skyview CEO Ken Thiele.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with CBS and this multi-year renewal speaks to the growing momentum we are experiencing together,” Thiele said. “As Skyview Networks continues its growth, we are actively planning additional opportunities built on CBS’s programming and integrations across our sales platforms. With today’s changing audio landscape, I am confident that our companies are poised for additional healthy growth.”
CBS Audio Network includes CBS News Radio, formerly CBS Radio News, and provides news, talk, information and special events coverage to close to 600 stations in the United States, with affiliates in 22 of the top 25 markets.
The announcement came as Skyview’s audio sales conference continued Tuesday with presentations by network partners, in a venue akin to an Upfront presentation. CBS White House Correspondent Steven Portnoy, Chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett and CBS Connect Anchor Jennifer Brown highlighted CBS Audio Network’s initiatives heading into the Upfront season, including new programming for 2021 and expansion of the CBS Connect product, a unique offering for FM music stations.
Also making presentations were Sparknet President Garry Wall and Andrew Anthony, the current liner/production talent fronting the “JackFM” music brand; Local Radio Networks EVP Pat Crocker; and Nielsen’s SVP/National Audio Services Bruce Supovitz and VP/Audio Insights Jon Miller, who revealed analytics of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on radio.
