Dial Global Changes Name to WestwoodOne; Revives Iconic Audio Brand

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dial Global, the largest independent national audio media company in the U.S., today 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. 

ABOUT WESTWOODONE
WestwoodOne, the largest independent national audio company in the U.S, activates the power of sound to deliver compelling cross-platform audio content to more than 8,200 media partners and 225 million consumers each week. WestwoodOne's rich array of content and services includes live play-by-play sports and sports talk programming; music and entertainment programs; news, talk, and information programming, 24/7 music formats; prep services; customized music, jingles and imaging; and national sales representation. www.westwoodone.com

SOURCE WestwoodOne