12203July 12, 2023 — ABC Audio, America’s premier source for radio news, entertainment content, and podcasts, has selected Compass Media Networks to serve as the exclusive advertising representative for commercial radio inventory and sponsorships broadcast to more than 1,500 radio affiliates and digital distributors, reaching more than 110 million monthly listeners — beginning in January 2024.

The agreement is effective immediately for marketing of commercial inventory. 

“We are thrilled to usher in a new phase of growth for ABC Audio with the announcement of our strategic partnership with Compass Media Networks,” said Liz Alesse, vice president of ABC Audio. “ABC News Radio remains steadfast in its mission to provide our news affiliates incisive, up-to-the-minute headlines, and we’re equally committed to creating top-tier entertainment content. By maintaining our high standards in these areas, we do more than just serve our stations ― we also create exceptional opportunities for our advertisers.”

ABC Audio is home to ABC News Radio, the nation’s largest commercial radio news network, producing award-winning hourly news updates, breaking news and special events coverage, and short and long-form features. ABC Audio also nationally syndicates “The Deja Vu Show” and creates and curates premium multi-format audio, digital and social media content for FM stations.

Compass Media Networks is a leader in both network radio advertising sales and affiliate sales. Its experienced management team brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise acquired over years at top media organizations, including Disney, ESPN, Dow Jones and Westwood One.

“Christmas has come early for us and our national sponsors,” said Peter Kosann, CEO and founder of Compass Media Networks. “ABC Audio represents some of the most iconic brands and media assets in the world, and we will move mountains to be a wonderful ambassador and advocate for our new partner.” Added Paul Gregrey, president of Advertising and Marketing for Compass Media Networks, “This is another wonderful addition to our portfolio that will help our clients achieve their audio marketing and media objectives.”

National advertising sponsors may purchase commercial inventory across all 1,500+ ABC Audio affiliated stations and/or via a variety of national audio networks based on demographics and daypart. More than 65% of ABC Audio’s inventory affiliate base is comprised of FM music stations, and the majority of the commercial inventory broadcasts in primetime dayparts. 

This partnership comes as ABC Audio is expanding its talent roster. Steven Portnoy is rejoining ABC News Radio as a national correspondent based in Washington, D.C. Portnoy is an award-winning journalist with over two decades of experience reporting on politics and breaking news. Previously, Portnoy was a White House correspondent at CBS News Radio, where he reported on the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, the administrations of President Biden and former President Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection. During his first stint at ABC News, Portnoy was a Washington correspondent for ABC News Radio, providing in-depth coverage of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections and the 2011 death of Osama bin Laden.

MORE INFORMATION

VARIETY STORY

****

About ABC Audio

ABC Audio is America’s premier source for radio news, entertainment content, and podcasts. ABC News Radio reaches more Americans than any other commercial broadcaster through its network of more than 1,500 radio stations and digital distributors. ABC Audio offers affiliates on-demand access to original audio, video and social media content, as well as news, entertainment and lifestyle digital text stories. ABC Audio is part of a top-ranked podcasting network, along with partners at ESPN, National Geographic and Marvel. The growing podcast portfolio includes ABC News’ flagship daily news podcast, “Start Here,” as well as the critically acclaimed, chart-topping hits like “The Dropout,” “Reclaimed: The Story of Mamie Till-Mobley,” “In Plain Sight: Lady Bird Johnson” and “The King Road Killings.” ABC Audio is a part of ABC News Streaming and Digital Content group.

ABC News Media Relations

Alisa Vasquez alisa.vasquez@abc.com

Sarah Jautz sarah.jautz@abc.com

For more information, follow ABC News PR on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

###