Hubbry Logo
Westwood OneWestwood OneMain
Open search
Westwood One
Community hub
Westwood One
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Westwood One
Westwood One
Westwood One
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Westwood One, Inc. is an American radio network owned by Cumulus Media. The company syndicates talk, music, and sports programming.

Key Information

The company takes its name from an earlier network also named Westwood One, a company founded in 1976. The company was, at various times, managed by CBS Radio, the radio arm of CBS Corporation and Viacom. It was later purchased by the private equity firm The Gores Group before merging with Dial Global in 2011. In December 2013, Dial Global was, in turn, acquired by Cumulus Media. Prior to the sale's completion, Dial Global re-assumed the Westwood One name. After the completion of the purchase, Westwood One was merged into the Cumulus Media Networks division (the former ABC Radio Networks).

Content syndicated by Westwood One includes talk shows, music programs and 24-hour formats. It is particularly prominent in sports radio, distributing Infinity Sports Network and holding various play-by-play rights, including the National Football League's main radio package.

History

[edit]

Dial Global was founded as X Radio Networks, a division of Excelsior Radio Networks. It merged with Dial Communications and Global Media in 2006, from which it derived the Dial Global name. Dial Global initially specialized in syndicated weekend music programs of various types. In 2007 it acquired the former Transtar Radio Networks from the original Westwood One. Triton Media Group, a subsidiary of Oaktree Capital Management, purchased Excelsior in early 2008, and soon bought two of its three main competitors: Waitt Radio Networks and Jones Radio Networks. Triton used the Dial Global name for all of its programming and later bought the remainder of Westwood One in 2011, folding it into its Dial Global subsidiary.

Dial Global began exhibiting signs of financial distress in late 2012, a possible side effect of its numerous acquisitions. On November 15 of that year, Dial Global announced a disappointing third quarter that it attributed in part to the financial impact of its exposure to the controversy surrounding a certain controversial talk personality, which was widely assumed to be a veiled reference to Rush Limbaugh in the wake of the Rush Limbaugh–Sandra Fluke controversy (although Limbaugh has no direct association with Dial Global). It simultaneously announced that it had filed for delisting from NASDAQ.[1] At the time of the announcement, Dial Global stock was trading at $2.00 a share; by mid-January 2013, DG's stock was trading at .30 a share. In a SEC 8-K filing dated January 15, 2013, DG announced that it had extended a loan waiver agreement with certain lenders.[2]

On August 29, 2013, Cumulus Broadcasting announced its intent to acquire Dial Global for $260 million, and merge it into its existing Cumulus Media Networks division. To fund the sale, Cumulus sold 53 radio stations to Townsquare Media (a radio broadcasting company owned by Oaktree), and traded 15 more stations to Townsquare in exchange for a cluster in Fresno, California formerly owned by Peak Broadcasting—which was also being acquired by Townsquare.[3][4]

On September 4, 2013, ahead of the completion of the purchase, Dial Global announced that it would rename itself Westwood One, citing stronger name recognition.[5][6] The sale was completed on December 12, 2013. As a result of all of these acquisitions, Cumulus Media now controls the remnants of all four of the major networks from the Golden Age of Radio: the former NBC Radio Network, the Mutual Broadcasting System, the distribution rights to most of CBS, the former ABC Radio Network, and CBS Sports Radio (CBS Radio owned stations, but were merged with Entercom on November 17, 2017; ABC, which still owns a few stations outside its original network primarily for ESPN Radio as of December 18, 2015 until 2023, pulled its content from Cumulus on January 1, 2015; and NBC, after having its content dropped from Westwood One in 2015, moved its content to iHeartMedia in 2016.) Among the numerous other holdings Cumulus now controls are the libraries of Transtar, RKO, Waitt, Jones, BPI, Watermark, and Drake-Chenault.

The company's numerous acquisitions prompted rival Talk Radio Network to file an antitrust lawsuit against what was then Dial Global in August 2012.[7] Cumulus settled the lawsuit with TRN on amicable terms in March 2014,[8] which was followed by TRN filing another lawsuit over the issue in April 2016.[9] Cumulus won the lawsuit in late 2017, and TRN ceased operations at the end of that year.

By 2015, Westwood One had been fully integrated into Cumulus Media Networks, with Westwood One as the surviving brand. The merger resulted in layoffs from its Westwood One's facilities in Colorado, including some of its in-house airstaff (who would be offered vacant positions at Cumulus stations). The company stated that it planned to leverage talent from Cumulus's local stations (particularly in major markets) for its 24-hour formats.[10]

Cumulus filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2017. In January 2018, it began moving to terminate its broadcast contracts, including those through Westwood One. It emerged from bankruptcy protection in June 2018. Triton Media Group, by this point rebranded as Triton Digital, was spun off to The E. W. Scripps Company in October 2018; as Scripps does not operate radio stations (it had a brief foray in the medium after its acquisition of Journal Media Group, but divested its stations in 2018), the radio-related assets remain in the possession of Westwood One.[11]

Talk programming

[edit]

Sports programming

[edit]

Music and entertainment programming

[edit]

News

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Westwood One

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Westwood One is an American radio syndication network owned by , serving as its national-facing division and distributing programming including , talk shows, sports broadcasts, and music formats to over 9,500 affiliate stations nationwide.
Founded originally in 1976 by entrepreneur Norman Pattiz, who expanded it into one of the largest radio networks through acquisitions and innovative syndication of concerts, , and talk content, the original Westwood One operated until 2011 before the name was revived in 2013 following Cumulus Media's $260 million acquisition of Dial Global, which it rebranded to leverage the established Westwood One legacy.
The network has achieved prominence in , holding exclusive national audio rights for games for 39 consecutive seasons as of 2025, alongside coverage of NCAA tournaments, and recently partnering with to relaunch Westwood One Sports as a 24/7 programming service.
In , Westwood One syndicates influential conservative-leaning programs such as , The VINCE Show hosted by Vince Coglianese, and , contributing to its role in amplifying viewpoints often marginalized in outlets.

History

Founding and Initial Development (1976–1980s)

Westwood One was founded in 1976 by Norman J. Pattiz, a former television sales manager at in , who identified an opportunity in the underdeveloped market for national radio syndication programming. Starting with modest capital of approximately $10,000 in a one-room office on ' west side, Pattiz launched the company by syndicating a 52-hour music program to 250 radio stations, employing a model that provided free content to stations in exchange for airtime sold to national advertisers. This approach addressed the era's scarcity of centralized, high-quality radio content, allowing Westwood One to establish an early foothold without significant upfront station payments. In its initial years, Westwood One expanded its offerings beyond music syndication into live and taped entertainment programming, capitalizing on Pattiz's connections. By 1979, the network introduced its first taped series, distributed to fewer than 100 stations using rented recording equipment, marking the beginning of specialized concert programming that differentiated it from competitors. The company's growth accelerated in the early following a 1981 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling that permitted stations to purchase syndicated programming rather than relying solely on network affiliates, enabling Westwood One to scale its distribution and revenue model. By 1984, Westwood One served over 3,000 stations with more than 30 programs, generated $13 million in revenue, and went public, raising over $30 million to fuel further development. During the mid-to-late 1980s, Westwood One continued initial consolidation by diversifying into news, sports, and other formats while building affiliate networks, positioning itself as a key player in radio syndication ahead of larger-scale mergers. This period laid the groundwork for its emergence as one of the largest U.S. radio networks, trailing only ABC in affiliate reach by the decade's end.

Major Acquisitions and Network Expansion (1980s–1990s)

In 1985, Westwood One significantly expanded its network by acquiring the from Corporation for approximately $30 million, gaining control of over 810 affiliates, established news operations, and prominent programming such as Larry King's . This acquisition positioned Westwood One as the second-largest radio in the United States, shifting its focus toward adult-oriented demographics and enhancing its syndication capabilities through Mutual's existing infrastructure. The company's growth continued in 1987 with the purchase of the NBC Radio Networks for $50 million, which included a long-term news agreement with and broadcasting rights to the . This deal expanded Westwood One's affiliate base to more than 6,000 stations, incorporating diverse programming in , entertainment, and sports, and solidifying its role in national syndication amid industry deregulation that favored third-party content providers. Further station-level expansions followed, including the 1988 acquisition of KIQQ-FM in for $56 million and a 50% stake in WNEW-AM in New York, which aimed to integrate owned stations with syndicated content for broader market reach. Entering the 1990s, Westwood One pursued additional network enhancements despite financial pressures, acquiring Unistar Radio Networks from Infinity Broadcasting in February 1994, which introduced advanced 24-hour satellite broadcasting and contributed to revenues rising to $136 million that year. In 1996, the company further bolstered its traffic reporting services by purchasing Shadow Traffic operations in major markets including New York, , , and , driving sales to $171.7 million and to $17.5 million. These moves, amid broader industry consolidation, allowed Westwood One to maintain syndication rights and ownership stakes in various programming assets, though increasing debt from earlier expansions prompted selective divestitures like the 1993 sale of WYNY-FM for $50 million.

Financial Challenges and Restructuring (2000s)

In the early 2000s, Westwood One faced headwinds from a broader media industry slump following the dot-com bust, which pressured revenues across radio networks. Despite projecting $178 million in for 2001 against $145 million in debt, the company navigated reduced demand for syndicated programming amid economic uncertainty. By , revenues had declined $11 million to $539.2 million, with operating income falling to $170 million from $178.9 million the prior year, reflecting persistent softness in commercial spot sales. Mid-decade challenges intensified as competition from emerging networks like Crystal Media Networks and Dial Communications eroded Westwood One's in and other niche services. Ad revenue dropped 15% in 2006, contributing to a sharp profit decline, while 2005 earnings fell 6% absent one-time boosts like Summer Olympics coverage. The company's stock plummeted 65% in 2007 amid eroding fundamentals, prompting a revamp and a "sell" rating from , which cited buyer wariness over declining performance. These pressures culminated in a comprehensive in 2009. Westwood One, burdened by $241 million in long-term debt, reached an with lenders to exchange it for $25 million in cash, a 25% equity stake, and $117.5 million in new , effectively ceding control to , which assumed a 72.5% ownership position. The deal, finalized in , followed a swing to a $222.5 million net loss for the year and the withdrawal of earnings guidance, stabilizing but diluting existing shareholders amid ongoing revenue pressures. This refinancing averted immediate default but underscored the network's vulnerability to cyclical ad markets and structural shifts in radio syndication.

Cumulus Media Acquisition and Post-2011 Evolution

In August 2011, Westwood One announced a merger with Dial Global, a provider of syndicated , with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of that year, effectively placing Westwood One's assets under Dial Global's control. Dial Global subsequently rebranded itself as Westwood One in September 2013 to leverage the established name in radio syndication. Cumulus Media completed its acquisition of Westwood One (formerly Dial Global) on December 12, 2013, for $260 million in cash and stock, integrating it into its operations to expand syndication capabilities in , , talk, and music programming. Following the purchase, Westwood One was merged into , the division handling former ABC Radio assets, allowing Cumulus to consolidate national distribution and content production under a unified structure. This integration involved operational consolidations, including staff reductions in key markets such as New York and in January 2014, aimed at streamlining redundant functions across the networks. Under Cumulus ownership, Westwood One maintained and expanded its role as a major audio syndicator, securing exclusive radio rights for events like games and serving as the broadcast partner for major brands in and . By 2023, Cumulus appointed Collin Jones as President of Westwood One to oversee strategic growth, including digital audio initiatives and content partnerships. In October 2025, Cumulus Media's Westwood One partnered with to rebrand the Infinity Sports Network as Westwood One Sports, effective December 29, 2025, with Westwood One taking over programming and distribution for the bulk of its syndicated sports content, including select BetMGM offerings, to enhance 24/7 sports coverage availability. This move reflects ongoing evolution toward broader national sports syndication amid shifting radio industry dynamics.

Ownership and Corporate Governance

Evolution of Ownership

Westwood One was founded in 1976 by Norman Pattiz as a privately held radio syndication company, initially focusing on producing and distributing sponsored programming for affiliate stations. The company went public in 1984 through an that raised over $30 million, enabling expansion via acquisitions such as the in 1985. In October 1993, acquired a 25% stake in Westwood One by purchasing 5 million newly issued shares for $15 million at $3 per share, granting Infinity significant influence over operations and strategy while Westwood One retained its independent structure. This arrangement facilitated Westwood One's purchase of Unistar Communications' radio networks for $101.3 million later that year, consolidating its position in syndicated content. Following Corporation's $4.9 billion acquisition of in 1996, Westwood One came under indirect oversight through Infinity's controlling interest, though it operated as a separate entity managed by by 1997. Facing financial pressures in the late 2000s amid declining radio ad revenues, Westwood One underwent . In February 2008, , a , invested up to $100 million, including an initial $37.5 million in and debt guarantees, increasing its stake and providing liquidity. By 2010, Gores held majority ownership, leading to Pattiz's replacement as chairman by Gores executive . In August 2011, Westwood One merged with Dial Global, Inc.—a syndication firm owned by Oaktree Capital Management via its Triton Media Group subsidiary—in a stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately $500 million in combined enterprise value, creating a larger entity under Dial Global's name with expanded programming assets. The merger closed in the fourth quarter of 2011, subject to regulatory approvals. Dial Global rebranded to Westwood One in September 2013 to revive the legacy name ahead of further consolidation. On December 12, 2013, Cumulus Media completed its $260 million acquisition of Westwood One (formerly Dial Global), funded through a combination of cash, stock, and debt assumption, integrating it into Cumulus Media Networks and enhancing Cumulus's national syndication capabilities with Westwood One's sports, news, and talk content. Westwood One has remained a subsidiary of Cumulus Media since, with no subsequent changes in primary ownership reported as of 2025.

Current Structure Under Cumulus Media

Westwood One functions as the primary syndication division of , specializing in the distribution of premium audio content including play-by-play, services, talk programs, and specials to over 9,000 affiliate stations nationwide. Integrated into Cumulus operations following the acquisition, it operates under the umbrella, leveraging the parent company's 428 owned-and-operated stations for broader reach while maintaining a distinct for national programming. Leadership is headed by Collin Jones, who assumed the role of President of Westwood One on January 1, 2024, in addition to his position as Executive Vice President of and Development at . Jones oversees syndication , podcast integration via the Cumulus Podcast Network, and research initiatives through the Westwood One Audio Active Group, which provides data-driven insights on audio consumption trends. Specialized roles within Westwood One include executives focused on sports production, such as Mike Eaby, promoted to and of Westwood One Sports in May 2024. In October 2025, Westwood One expanded its through a strategic partnership with , rebranding the Infinity Sports Network as Westwood One Sports effective December 29, 2025, and assuming programming and distribution responsibilities for key syndicated shows including and BetMGM programming. This move consolidates Westwood One's role in sports audio, building on long-term rights deals like its 39th season as the NFL's official network audio partner announced in September 2025.

Key Leadership Figures

Norman J. Pattiz founded Westwood One in 1976 as a radio syndication company, initially operating from a single-room office in , and served as its chairman and until February 1994, during which time the network expanded significantly through acquisitions and programming deals. Pattiz, a former advertising sales executive, built the company into one of the largest audio networks in the United States before stepping down from operational leadership. Following mergers and acquisitions, such as the 1999 purchase of the and Radio Networks, executive roles shifted; , then CEO of , assumed the CEO position at Westwood One post-acquisition, overseeing further integration of assets. In later years, figures like Peter Kosann served as president and CEO until 2009, after which Rod Sherwood briefly held the presidency in 2008 amid reorganizations. Since Cumulus Media's 2011 acquisition of Westwood One (via Dial Global), leadership has aligned more closely with the parent company's structure, with Suzanne M. Grimes serving as president from approximately 2015 until December 2023, during which she managed syndicated news, sports, and entertainment programming while launching podcast initiatives. As of January 1, 2024, Collin Jones has served as president of Westwood One, concurrently holding the role of executive vice president of corporate strategy and development at ; in this capacity, he oversees the network's operations as the largest audio syndicator in America and was elected chair of the Joint Board in June 2025. president and CEO Mary G. Berner provides overarching governance, with Westwood One's leadership reporting into her office.

Programming and Syndication

Talk and Opinion Programming

Westwood One has historically served as a major distributor of talk and opinion programming, emphasizing conservative perspectives through syndicated shows that air on hundreds of affiliate stations nationwide. Following its 1985 acquisition of the , Westwood One expanded its offerings, incorporating established formats that included opinion-driven content from hosts discussing politics, culture, and current events. This move positioned the network as a key player in the syndication of programs appealing to audiences seeking alternative viewpoints to narratives. Under Cumulus Media's ownership since 2011, Westwood One has focused on live, daily talk shows hosted by prominent conservative commentators. Notable programs include The Chris Plante Show, airing weekdays and originating from Cumulus-owned WMAL in , which critiques government policies and media coverage from a right-leaning standpoint; The Brian Kilmeade Show, featuring personality 's analysis of news and interviews with political figures; and Fox Across America with Jimmy Failla, integrating commentary into a talk format. These shows collectively reach millions of listeners, with affiliates spanning urban markets and rural areas. Evening and overnight slots feature America at Night with Rich Valdés, a live program launched in a new time slot in January 2025, adding 25 affiliates and focusing on late-night opinion segments covering immigration, crime, and from a conservative lens. In March 2025, Westwood One introduced The VINCE Show hosted by Vince Coglianese, a former WMAL host and Washington editor for , succeeding Dan Bongino's slot after his departure; the program blends insider D.C. insights with opinion on policy and elections. Bongino's show, which debuted on Westwood One in May 2021 with former President as its first guest, had built a large through unfiltered critiques of federal agencies and cultural issues before its 2025 transition. Westwood One's opinion programming often incorporates partnerships with Fox News, such as The Fox News Rundown, providing extended analysis beyond standard newscasts. Weekend offerings, including America This Week, compile highlights from daily shows to sustain listener engagement. This lineup reflects a strategic emphasis on hosts with journalistic backgrounds or media ties skeptical of institutional narratives, distinguishing Westwood One's syndication from competitors dominated by iHeartMedia's Premiere Networks.

Sports Broadcasting Rights and Coverage

Westwood One holds exclusive national radio rights for NFL regular-season games, playoffs, and the , marking its 39th consecutive season of coverage in 2025. Broadcasts include all primetime games on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, distributed across approximately 700 U.S. radio stations, SiriusXM , the NFL app, and Westwood One's digital platforms. This multi-year extension, confirmed in March 2022, also encompasses additional NFL events such as the and international games. In college sports, Westwood One possesses exclusive national audio rights for all 90 NCAA championships, including postseason events like the NIT. NCAA football coverage features complete play-by-play of regular-season games, postseason matchups, and the SEC Championship Game, with the 2025 schedule commencing in Week 0 at renovated venues such as Kansas's Arrowhead Stadium. For NCAA basketball, the network airs the full Men's Division I Championship (March Madness), conference championships, select regular-season games, the NIT, and Women's Elite Eight contests, with multiplatform distribution including terrestrial radio and SiriusXM for the 2025 tournament. Beyond major team sports, Westwood One expanded into soccer with an English-language audio rights agreement for U.S. Soccer events in February 2025, complementing existing coverage of NCAA (Men's ), , , hockey, and tournaments. In December 2025, the Infinity Sports Network rebranded as Westwood One Sports, launching 24/7 programming accessible via the Audacy app, Westwood One digital streams, and affiliated stations, enhancing year-round sports audio delivery.

News Services

Westwood One syndicates news content to affiliate radio stations, focusing on daily programs, wire service feeds, and specialized business updates following the discontinuation of its in-house Westwood One News network in 2020. The shutdown affected over 900 affiliates, prompting many to shift to alternatives like . A primary offering is America in the Morning, a one-hour radio news magazine hosted by John Trout and aired weekdays in early morning slots. The program delivers , political developments, , business, weather, and sports coverage, supplemented by analysis, human-interest stories, and specialized reports. Unique segments include ’s “The Offbeat” for quirky news, business updates, sports recaps, and forecasts. It received the highest honor in the news magazine category at the 2018 New York Festivals Radio Awards. Through partnerships, Westwood One distributes (AP) content, including drive-time newscasts, tailored stories on topics such as , health, entertainment, and lifestyle, plus daily audio actualities featuring newsmaker sound bites and raw footage from events. This audio material is provided for on-air or online use, allowing affiliates flexibility in selecting engaging elements to suit listener interests. For business-focused news, Westwood One syndicates Business Radio, offering one-minute reports on financial markets Monday through Friday at 5:40 a.m., 9:40 a.m., 12:40 p.m., and 4:40 p.m. ET, alongside simulcasts of CNBC’s opening and coverage and rights to excerpt interviews. These feeds target audiences seeking real-time economic insights, reaching millions of U.S. households via affiliate stations. Content is delivered via and digital platforms to support seamless integration into station schedules.

Music and Entertainment Content

Westwood One syndicates 24-hour music formats designed for affiliate stations, offering pre-programmed content across genres such as Adult Contemporary, , , Hot AC, and NASH Icon. These formats deliver curated playlists targeting specific demographics, for instance, Adult Contemporary emphasizing proven hits for adults 25-54 with a lean toward women but including nearly 40% male audience share, while focuses on 1970s-1990s pop, soul, and rock for 35-54 adults. In March 2025, amid cost-cutting measures by parent company , Westwood One discontinued seven of its 24/7 formats—Classic Hits Gold, Classic Rock X, Hits Now, Good Time Oldies, Rock 2.0, Variety Hits Pop, and Variety Hits Rock—reducing the total from 20 to 13 while prioritizing high-performing streams. Complementing continuous formats, Westwood One distributes weekend specialty shows and countdowns, including American Country Countdown with host Ryan Fox, which launched on January 4-5, 2025, and ranks the top 40 country tracks based on as a weekly tradition for country outlets. Additional weekend programming encompasses The Daly Download with , Country Gold, American Hit List, Flashback, and Rise Up Country Weekends, providing genre-specific variety and artist spotlights. In entertainment programming, Westwood One syndicates humorous morning drive content like , a Radio Hall of Fame inductee airing live weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET since national syndication began in 1995, featuring original parodies, songs, comedy bits, and production by a dedicated staff for over 100 affiliates across all formats under a multi-year renewal announced August 15, 2024. The network also produces promotional audio series such as Your Music Plus, which delivers exclusive artist commentary on new releases in formats including , Alternative, CHR, and Hot AC, exemplified by features on tracks like Linkin Park's in April 2025 and Kenny Chesney's "Just to Say We Did" in August 2024. Westwood One further supports stations with seasonal music specials, such as weekend programming in 2022 tailored to , , and /Hot Adult Contemporary formats, and production music libraries offering unlimited categories for and promos across all radio genres.

Notable Programs and Partnerships

Iconic Talk Shows and Hosts

Westwood One has been a key syndicator of conservative-leaning programs, distributing shows that emphasize political commentary, cultural critique, and audience interaction to hundreds of affiliate stations nationwide. Among its most enduring offerings is , hosted by constitutional scholar and author , which has aired daily since its national syndication debut and consistently ranks among the highest-rated talk programs, reaching approximately 400 stations with Levin's focus on and originalist interpretations of the U.S. Constitution. Another flagship program was , hosted by , a former epidemiologist and author of bestsellers like The Death of the West. Syndicated by Westwood One from October 2012 through January 2021, the show drew an estimated 11 million weekly listeners at its peak, featuring Savage's unfiltered discussions on , , and cultural decline, and marked its 25th anniversary in radio in March 2019 with special programming highlighting its influence. Westwood One's distribution amplified Savage's reach during a period of heightened national debates on border policy and free speech. The Jim Bohannon Show, hosted by veteran broadcaster until his death in November 2022, exemplified Westwood One's commitment to balanced yet probing talk formats. Bohannon, who joined the network in 1983 and launched his evening program in 1993, aired weekdays from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET, blending news analysis, listener calls, and offbeat stories; he was recognized as one of the "100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time" by industry publications for his journalistic approach and coverage of events like political conventions. In recent years, Westwood One introduced The Dan Bongino Show on May 24, 2021, hosted by former Secret Service agent and podcaster , which occupied the high-profile 12-3 p.m. ET slot and featured Bongino's critiques of government overreach and media narratives, with former President as its inaugural guest; the program transitioned to Vince Coglianese's The VINCE Show in March 2025, maintaining the slot's focus on conservative viewpoints. These programs have collectively shaped Westwood One's reputation for hosting voices challenging mainstream narratives, often citing primary documents and empirical policy outcomes over institutional consensus.

Long-Standing Sports Deals

Westwood One has maintained an exclusive national radio partnership with the National Football League (NFL) since 1987, marking its 39th consecutive season of coverage as of the 2025 NFL season. This deal encompasses all primetime regular-season games, including Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football, as well as postseason broadcasts such as the playoffs and Super Bowl. The partnership traces its roots further back through Westwood One's predecessors, which carried NFL games as early as the 1930s, accumulating over 50 years of overall involvement in NFL audio distribution by 2022. Multiple renewals have sustained this arrangement, including a multi-year extension announced in March 2022 that preserved Westwood One's rights to national game distribution and expanded digital streaming options via the NFL app. In addition to the NFL, Westwood One has held radio rights for the NCAA Men's since 1982, providing play-by-play coverage of the event known as March Madness. This includes broadcasting every game across multiple platforms since , with affiliates reaching millions of listeners annually. The network renewed its NCAA agreement in August for a multi-year term, securing exclusive audio rights to the Men's , , and various other NCAA championships in sports such as football, , , and hockey. Despite a termination by the NCAA in amid financial pressures—which was upheld in court—the relationship persisted through prior extensions, underscoring Westwood One's entrenched role in audio.

Strategic Alliances and Recent Integrations

In October 2025, Cumulus Media's Westwood One announced a significant integration with , rebranding the Infinity Sports Network as Westwood One Sports effective December 29, 2025. This move extends a long-standing collaboration originating from the 2012 CBS Sports Radio partnership, with Westwood One assuming programming and distribution responsibilities for the majority of the syndicated sports lineup, including anchoring with in the 3-6 PM ET slot. Audacy retains production of BetMGM Network programming such as (9 AM-12 PM ET) and BetMGM Tonight (6-11 PM ET), alongside weekend content, while BetMGM continues as the presenting and exclusive sportsbook partner; the integration incorporates play-by-play coverage of , NCAA, and U.S. Soccer events to bolster Westwood One's national sports audio dominance. Complementing this, Westwood One entered a joint with Rumble on August 5, 2025, aimed at expanding content distribution and advertising across audio and video platforms. Under the alliance, Westwood One facilitates the distribution of its audio and video content—drawn from Cumulus Media's broader portfolio including the Cumulus Podcast Network—directly onto Rumble's platform, enabling packaged multi-platform advertising solutions and new monetization avenues for creators through premium inventory and host-read ads. The partnership emphasizes connecting brands with engaged audiences via trusted channels, leveraging Rumble's video infrastructure to enhance Westwood One's reach beyond traditional radio syndication. These developments reflect Westwood One's focus on consolidating sports assets and diversifying into digital-video synergies, building on its established role in syndicated programming without involving outright mergers but through operational handovers and cross-platform content sharing.

Business Operations

Syndication Model and Revenue Streams

Westwood One operates a syndication model centered on distributing — including talk, , , and formats—to a network of over 9,800 affiliated broadcast stations across the . In this barter system, affiliates receive the content in exchange for providing blocks of advertising inventory, which Westwood One then markets and sells to national advertisers for insertion into the programs. This approach, pioneered in its early years, allows stations to fill airtime with high-quality syndicated material without upfront cash payments, while enabling Westwood One to leverage aggregated inventory for broader national ad sales. The primary revenue stream derives from network , where Westwood One monetizes the provided through direct of commercial spots to targeting the aggregated audience reach of affiliates. For premium content like sports broadcasts (e.g., play-by-play carried on approximately 700 stations), includes tied to exclusive rights deals, with studies demonstrating high for sponsors via metrics such as listener reach exceeding 23 million in a single season. Supplementary streams encompass representation for ancillary services, such as audio production and jingles supplied to stations, and occasional cash-based syndication fees for select high-value programs or formats. As part of , Westwood One's model integrates with broader audio solutions, emphasizing ROI-driven campaigns in news, sports, and entertainment to attract national spend. Recent expansions, such as the 2025 rebranding and programming takeover of the Infinity Sports Network into Westwood One Sports 24/7, enhance revenue potential by consolidating syndicated sports content distribution and ad inventory across partnerships with entities like . This model sustains Westwood One's position as a key national audio network, though it remains vulnerable to fluctuations in demand and affiliate decisions.

Technological Adaptations

Westwood One has historically relied on technology for program distribution to its network of over 9,500 affiliated stations, a method established through acquisitions enhancing its capabilities by 1994. This -based syndication, utilizing transponders like those on the AMC-8 , enables real-time delivery of syndicated content including news, talk, and sports programming. In response to evolving industry standards, the company updated its receiver in March 2022 by adopting the Wegener iPump 8640 as the standard platform for format and syndication feeds, ensuring compatibility and reliability amid transitions such as the 2020 C-band spectrum repacking. To address competition from emerging digital audio technologies like iPods and services in the mid-2000s, Westwood One began integrating digital enhancements alongside its core satellite operations. By , under parent company , it rebranded and consolidated its offerings into the Cumulus Podcast Network (formerly Westwood One Podcast Network), unifying national and local content to capture a broader portfolio and adapt to on-demand audio consumption. This network now ranks among the largest in the U.S., distributing shows across platforms and providing data-driven insights via quarterly reports on downloads and listener trends in partnership with Signal Hill Insights. Further adaptations emphasize multi-platform delivery, extending reach beyond terrestrial and satellite radio. Westwood One's content, particularly sports programming, now streams via dedicated digital platforms, mobile apps such as the Audacy app, and podcast directories, as seen in the October 2025 launch of Westwood One Sports 24/7—a rebranded network merging former Infinity Sports Network assets with enhanced streaming and podcast integration effective December 2025. Cumulus Media's broader digital solutions support this by offering station websites, targeted streaming, and social integrations, enabling Westwood One affiliates to deliver content via IP-based methods like FTP alongside traditional feeds. These layered approaches maintain satellite efficiency for live events while accommodating listener shifts to mobile and on-demand formats. In March 2021, Westwood One filed a against Local Radio Networks, LLC (LRN) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of , alleging that LRN's Radio Velocity system violated two s (Nos. 7,860,448 and RE45,095) related to localizing syndicated radio programming by inserting station-specific content like ads and IDs. The s, held by Westwood One since at least 2010, covered methods for automating feed insertion without manual operator intervention, a core technology for network syndication efficiency. LRN countersued, seeking declarations of invalidity, but the case proceeded through claim construction and motions before settling confidentially, with the court dismissing it on June 28, 2024. Westwood One faced a significant contract dispute with the (NCAA) over radio rights for men's , including the March Madness tournament. In late 2020, the NCAA terminated Westwood One's multi-year agreement after , its parent, failed to pay an annual rights fee installment due by December 31, 2020, citing the contract's material breach clause. Westwood One sought an in courts to block the termination, arguing irreparable harm and that renegotiation was feasible, but an appeals court upheld the NCAA's right to void the deal in May 2021. The parties settled on August 1, 2021, allowing Westwood One to retain and renew rights for the 2021-2026 seasons, covering full slates. On the competitive front, Cumulus Media, operating Westwood One, initiated an antitrust lawsuit against Nielsen on October 17, 2025, in federal court, accusing the ratings firm of monopolizing national radio data through illegal tying practices. The suit claims Nielsen conditions Westwood One's access to essential national audience metrics on purchasing unwanted local market ratings, inflating costs by up to 36% and excluding non-compliant markets like Memphis from Westwood One's datasets, in violation of the Sherman Act. Cumulus alleges this "textbook abuse" of Nielsen's 90% market dominance harms syndicators' competitiveness by distorting revenue and ad sales. The case, seeking a jury trial and injunctive relief, remains ongoing as of October 2025. Earlier, in 2012, Talk Radio Network sued Dial Global (Westwood One's then-parent post-2011 merger) for antitrust violations, claiming the company's acquisitions of competitors like Waitt Radio Networks and Jones Radio Networks created a monopoly, squeezing independent syndicators through predatory ad representation dominance. The litigation highlighted consolidation risks in syndication but concluded without detailed public outcomes on monopoly findings, amid broader industry scrutiny of Westwood One's in and talk distribution.

Controversies and Criticisms

Patent and Contract Litigation

In March 2021, Westwood One initiated patent infringement litigation against Local Radio Networks, LLC (LRN) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, alleging willful violation of two patents related to the automation of inserting local content—such as advertisements or announcements—into nationally syndicated radio programming. The patents in question, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,860,448 (issued December 28, 2010) and 8,312,061 (issued November 13, 2012), describe methods and computer programs for localizing broadcast content, technologies Westwood One had held since the mid-2000s. Westwood One asserted that LRN, founded by former Westwood One executives and employees, directly replicated these ed processes in its competing service for localizing syndicated shows, despite receiving a cease-and-desist in May 2020 regarding the '448 . LRN responded with a motion for of invalidity under 35 U.S.C. § 101, arguing the claims were directed to abstract ideas ineligible for protection, which prompted a stay on discovery. Proceedings included claim construction disputes over terms like "local generated content files" and motions to amend the complaint to add further infringement allegations, extending the case over three years. The parties reached a settlement in October 2024, finalizing resolution of all claims without public disclosure of terms, marking the end of the litigation after 1,215 days. In contract-related disputes, Westwood One contested the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) unilateral termination of a rights agreement for radio broadcasts of NCAA championships, including men's , in early 2021. The NCAA invoked a clause permitting early exit to pursue a more lucrative deal with Learfield IMG College, prompting Westwood One to seek injunctive relief and argue . A federal court granted to the NCAA in June 2021, upholding the termination as lawful under the agreement's terms, a decision affirmed on appeal by the Indiana of Appeals in May 2021. This ruling allowed the NCAA to shift rights without financial penalty, reflecting broader shifts in media rights valuation.

Format Shifts and Industry Backlash

In March 2025, Westwood One announced the discontinuation of seven of its 24/7 syndicated music formats, reducing the total from twenty to thirteen, as part of broader cost-cutting measures by parent company Cumulus Media. The affected formats included niche offerings such as adult standards and rhythm and blues, with the changes taking effect by late April 2025. This shift forced several Cumulus-owned stations to transition to alternative programming, including local content or remaining Westwood One options, highlighting dependencies on the syndicator's automated formats for smaller markets. The format eliminations coincided with executive turnover, including the departure of Vice President of Programming David Felker in April 2025 amid the consolidation, and the exit of Cheri Marquart, who had overseen programming for 30 years. These moves followed earlier 2024-2025 leadership changes, prompting industry debate over Westwood One's strategic priorities. Radio professionals voiced mixed reactions, with some questioning the syndicator's ongoing dedication to news/talk programming—its historical core, including conservative-leaning shows—amid perceptions of reduced investment in the format. Critics argued that rapid on-air and behind-the-scenes alterations signaled a pivot away from traditional , potentially eroding affiliate trust in a competitive landscape dominated by digital alternatives. Others defended the changes as pragmatic responses to declining listenership and revenue pressures in terrestrial radio, urging over preservation of legacy models. Despite the backlash, Westwood One maintained its syndication of high-profile news/talk content, though the episode underscored tensions between operational efficiencies and format stability.

Programming Bias Allegations

Westwood One, as the syndication arm of , has faced allegations of right-wing bias primarily due to its heavy emphasis on programming. The network distributes shows hosted by figures such as , , and formerly and , which critics argue promote partisan viewpoints over balanced discourse. This content focus has led evaluators like to classify as right-biased, citing the consistent affiliation with hosts expressing conservative ideologies. A 2022 analysis by highlighted syndicated conservative radio programs, many distributed by Westwood One, for repeatedly advancing of Democratic election fraud, with over 5,000 such mentions recorded in the first half of that year alone. These allegations portray the programming as contributing to , though proponents counter that the format reflects audience demand in a competitive market rather than deliberate distortion. In response to post-2020 controversies, issued an internal directive in January 2021 instructing Westwood One-affiliated hosts to cease promoting false claims of a stolen , under threat of termination, amid advertiser pressures and legal risks. This move drew criticism from some conservative outlets for perceived , but it underscored broader industry scrutiny of the network's role in amplifying contested narratives. Despite such incidents, Westwood One maintains that its syndication model prioritizes high-rated, market-driven content without institutional favoritism toward any ideology.

Impact and Legacy

Influence on Conservative Media Landscape

Westwood One's syndication efforts have significantly amplified conservative voices within the radio industry, facilitating the national distribution of programs that resonate with audiences skeptical of mainstream narratives. By partnering with hosts like , whose show has been syndicated through Westwood One for years, the company reaches an estimated 15 million weekly listeners, providing a platform for in-depth commentary on , , and from a constitutionalist perspective. This distribution model, leveraging Cumulus Media's extensive station network, has helped sustain conservative talk's commercial viability amid shifting habits. Historically, Westwood One filled critical programming slots on its affiliated stations following the death of influential figures like in February 2021, moving into high-profile midday and afternoon time periods starting in 2021 to maintain listener engagement. Bongino's program, focusing on news analysis and opposition critiques, drew strong ratings in top markets, illustrating Westwood One's adaptability in preserving the format's momentum during transitions. More recently, the March 2025 launch of The VINCE Show hosted by Vince Coglianese—drawing on his experience and DC insider insights—aims to evolve conservative talk by emphasizing investigative angles over rote partisanship, further embedding Westwood One in the genre's succession dynamics. The company's role extends to political influence, as syndicated conservative programs via Westwood One have demonstrated measurable sway in electoral contexts. Nielsen analyses indicate that incorporating AM/FM radio, including talk formats, into media plans can reach up to 45% of voters overlooked by television, enhancing outcomes for candidates aligned with these audiences. Exclusive content, such as Levin's February 2025 interview with former President , underscores how Westwood One's platform serves as a conduit for direct engagement with conservative constituencies, often bypassing filters imposed by digital or print outlets. This infrastructure has reinforced conservative talk radio's structural advantages in reaching older, rural, and working-class demographics, contributing to its outsized role in mobilizing voters despite broader media fragmentation.

Achievements in Audience Reach and Awards

Westwood One operates as the largest audio network in the United States, affiliating with over 9,800 radio stations to distribute syndicated programming nationwide. Its sports broadcasts, particularly play-by-play coverage, achieve substantial audience reach, with Nielsen data indicating 64 million unique listeners across the 2023-2024 regular season and playoffs. This reach extends to other events, including NCAA championships and U.S. Soccer matches, leveraging the network's extensive station footprint to deliver content to diverse markets. The network's programming has garnered recognition through industry awards, highlighting excellence in news and personality-driven content. In 2023, Westwood One host received the Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year from the for his radio broadcasts. Westwood One earned a 2021 Deadline Club Award for spot news reporting on the Capitol events. Earlier accolades include the 2018 Sigma Delta Chi award from the for coverage of the Las Vegas mass shooting, and a Gold award at the New York Festivals Radio Awards for America in the Morning. These honors underscore the network's contributions to timely audio and syndicated entertainment.

Challenges in Digital Transition

As traditional radio syndication faced erosion from on-demand audio platforms, Westwood One grappled with adapting its linear content distribution to digital streaming and podcasting models, where audience fragmentation and lower monetization rates posed persistent barriers. Parent company reported Westwood One's network revenues at $182.5 million for 2023, reflecting a decline amid broader advertiser shifts toward digital channels offering advanced targeting and measurability. This downturn was exacerbated by the inherent mismatch between syndication's scheduled broadcasts and digital consumers' preference for asynchronous access, limiting Westwood One's ability to capture streaming ad dollars without significant reformatting investments. In the second quarter of 2025, Cumulus's overall network revenues fell 20%, attributed to reduced live sports programming and soft general markets, highlighting transitional vulnerabilities as digital alternatives siphoned ad budgets. While Cumulus's total digital revenues rose 8% year-over-year, driven by marketing services up 38%, Westwood One's core syndication lagged, with internal studies emphasizing that ad-supported digital audio—combining podcasts and music streaming—reaches only 31% of the U.S. population weekly, compared to AM/FM radio's 63%. This disparity underscored challenges in scaling digital extensions, as Westwood One's efforts to integrate podcasts required lighter ad loads and broader targeting to achieve ROI, yet campaigns often underperformed due to insufficient saturation. To counter these issues, Westwood One launched initiatives like the October 2025 and expansion of Westwood One 24/7, incorporating streaming on the app and distribution to extend beyond terrestrial affiliates. However, industry-wide pressures, including competition from pure-play digital platforms like and , compounded difficulties in building comparable digital audiences and revenue streams, with radio syndicators facing ad revenue squeezes from streaming's rise. Cumulus's history of financial strain, including a 2017 filing influenced by acquisition debts amid digital disruption, further constrained aggressive digital pivots for Westwood One.

References

  1. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/advertising/network-solutions/
  2. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-12-07/norman-pattiz-founder-of-westwood-one-radio-network-has-died
  3. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2013/12/12/596613/9032/en/Cumulus-Completes-Previously-Announced-Acquisition-of-WestwoodOne-f-k-a-Dial-Global-Inc.html
  4. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/09/03/cumulus-medias-westwood-one-official-network-audio-partner-of-the-nfl-celebrates-39th-season-and-announces-2025-nfl-lineup-and-programming-highlights-from-opening-night-kickoff-to-superbow/
  5. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/10/21/cumulus-media-and-audacy-announce-the-launch-of-westwood-one-sports-24-7-programming/
  6. https://tunein.com/radio/Stream-Westwood-One-a33032/
  7. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/news-and-talk/affiliated/the-vince-show/
  8. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/news-and-talk/affiliated/red-eye-radio/
  9. https://www.radiohalloffame.com/norman-pattiz
  10. https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/westwood-one-inc-history/
  11. https://www.company-histories.com/Westwood-One-Inc-Company-History.html
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-10-04-fi-5159-story.html
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/02/business/westwood-one-s-comeback-bid.html
  14. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-02-fi-659-story.html
  15. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/30/business/the-media-business-westwood-one-to-acquire-50-stake-in-wnew-am.html
  16. https://labusinessjournal.com/news/corporate-focus-westwood-one-riding-out-slump-in/
  17. https://variety.com/2004/biz/news/westwood-one-upbeat-but-b-casts-gloomy-figures-1117900372/
  18. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB115499845168929374
  19. https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20060809/FREE/608090703/westwood-one-posts-sharp-profit-decline
  20. https://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20051103/FREE/511030704/westwood-one-profit-falls-on-programming
  21. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB118428916195765445
  22. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2007-11-01/westwood-one-surges-as-sales-profit-beat-estimates
  23. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-03-03/westwood-one-lenders-to-refinance-debt-shares-plunge
  24. https://rbr.com/financial-ducks-in-a-row-for-westwood-one/
  25. https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2009/03/12/Sports-Media/Dont-Turn-The-Dial-NFL-To-Keep-Westwood-One-As-Radio-Partner/
  26. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/westwood-one-swings-loss-agrees-refinance
  27. https://ir.paramount.com/static-files/18ccc458-dff3-44f3-b077-bf07e9650320
  28. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/westwood-one-to-merge-with-dial-global-126508308.html
  29. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-dial-global-changes-westwoodone-20130904-story.html
  30. https://rbr.com/cumulus-completes-westwoodone-dial-global-buy/
  31. https://rbr.com/cumulus-begins-consolidation-of-westwoodone/
  32. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1058623/000105862318000016/cmls2017123110k.htm
  33. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2023/12/04/cumulus-media-taps-collin-jones-to-lead-westwood-one/
  34. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/10/21/3170593/0/en/Cumulus-Media-and-Audacy-Announce-the-Launch-of-Westwood-One-Sports-24-7-Programming.html
  35. https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/westwood-one-inc
  36. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/10/12/business/the-media-business-infinity-broadcasting-to-buy-interest-in-westwood-one.html
  37. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/10/11/Westwood-One-to-buy-Unistar-Radio-Networks-for-1013-million/5908750312000/
  38. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120395050817890475
  39. https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/gores-group-boosts-stake-radio-firm-westwood-one-completes-recapitalisation/
  40. https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/08/01/westwood-one-and-dial-global-to-merge/
  41. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/09/04/ahead-of-cumulus-merger-dial-global-changing-its-name-to-westwood-one/
  42. https://musicrow.com/2013/12/cumulus-media-completes-acquisition-of-westwoodone-inc/
  43. https://www.westwoodone.com/
  44. https://www.linkedin.com/company/westwoodone
  45. https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/cumulus-media-and-audacy-announce-launch-westwood-one-sports-24-7-programming-2025-10
  46. https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinjones7
  47. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2024/05/08/cumulus-media-names-mike-eaby-vice-president-executive-producer-of-westwood-one-sports/
  48. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/markets-news/GlobeNewswire/35592327/cumulus-media-and-audacy-announce-the-launch-of-westwood-one-sports-24-7-programming/
  49. https://scripophily.net/westwood-one-inc-radio-network-1990s/
  50. https://www.insideradio.com/free/norm-pattiz-founder-of-westwood-one-and-podcast-one-dies-at-79/article_9fdb34b2-74ee-11ed-affd-13ca21fabec3.html
  51. https://www.adweek.com/convergent-tv/former-westwood-one-ceo-launches-radio-net-111573/
  52. https://rbr.com/westwood-one-reorganizes-top-management/
  53. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/people-news/grimes-to-leave-westwood-one-jones-will-step-in
  54. https://rbr.com/suzanne-grimes-exiting-westwood-one/
  55. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/06/10/westwood-one-cumulus-media-executive-collin-jones-elected-as-nab-joint-board-chair/
  56. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/08/05/mary-g-berner-president-and-ceo-cumulus-media-rises-to-3-ranking-on-radio-ink-magazines-40-most-powerful-people-in-radio-list-for-2025/
  57. https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/22/business/for-westwood-radio-is-gold.html
  58. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/category/news-and-talk/
  59. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/category/news-and-talk/daily-talk/
  60. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/01/22/nationally-syndicated-talk-show-america-at-night-with-rich-valdes-moves-to-new-live-time-slot-and-adds-25-new-affiliates-in-january/
  61. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/03/04/rising-conservative-voice-vince-coglianese-joins-national-conversation-with-new-live-radio-show-and-podcast/
  62. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2021/05/20/the-dan-bongino-show-debuts-may-24th-on-westwood-one/
  63. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/
  64. https://www.insideradio.com/free/westwood-one-names-vince-coglianese-to-succeed-dan-bongino/article_51070aaa-f917-11ef-81aa-438d803ad3a7.html
  65. https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2025/04/28/10-case-studies-how-the-nfl-on-westwood-one-drives-business-outcomes-for-brands/
  66. https://www.sportsvideo.org/2022/03/29/westwood-one-nfl-expand-longtime-partnership/
  67. https://www.ncaa.com/_flysystem/public-s3/files/Quick%2520Reference%2520Guide.pdf
  68. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/sports/ncaa/ncaa-football/
  69. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/sports/ncaa/ncaa-basketball-ncaa-tournament/
  70. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/03/18/cumulus-medias-westwood-one-presents-exclusive-multiplatform-audio-coverage-of-the-2025-ncaa-mens-basketball-tournament/
  71. https://ussoccer.com/stories/2025/02/us-soccer-and-westwood-one-reach-english-language-audio-rights-agreement
  72. https://radioink.com/2020/07/10/cumulus-closing-down-westwood-one-news-service/
  73. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/westwood-one-will-close-its-news-operation-on-aug-30
  74. https://www.insideradio.com/free/former-westwood-one-news-affiliates-spread-the-wealth-among-network-providers/article_48cde23e-edad-11ea-9e58-831051b8422d.html
  75. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/news-and-talk/affiliated/america-in-the-morning/
  76. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/features/ap-news/
  77. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/features/cnbc-business-radio/
  78. https://www.westwoodone.com/formats/category/music/
  79. https://www.westwoodone.com/formats/music/adult-contemporary/
  80. https://www.westwoodone.com/formats/music/classic-hits/
  81. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/03/20/westwood-one-eliminates-seven-24-7-music-formats/
  82. https://www.insideradio.com/free/with-network-format-shrinkage-cumulus-media-stations-make-adjustments/article_ba45461a-eeb5-48fe-a407-2be5a470875b.html
  83. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/music-entertainment/weekend-shows/american-country-countdown/
  84. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2024/11/25/westwood-one-brings-the-next-generation-of-syndicated-weekend-show-american-country-countdown-to-music-fans-with-new-host-ryan-fox/
  85. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/category/music-entertainment/
  86. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/music-entertainment/daily-shows/the-bob-tom-show/
  87. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2024/08/15/the-bob-tom-show-signs-multi-year-deal-with-westwood-one/
  88. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/04/15/new-installment-of-cumulus-medias-your-music-plus-audio-series-takes-rock-and-alternative-listeners-up-from-the-bottom-with-linkin-park/
  89. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2024/08/19/cumulus-media-country-stations-turn-up-kenny-chesneys-new-single-just-to-say-we-did-on-your-music-plus-audio-feature-premiering-today-across-the-u-s/
  90. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2022/05/05/cumulus-medias-westwood-one-presents-three-specials-for-memorial-day-weekend/
  91. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/prep-and-services/radio-services/
  92. https://www.westwoodone.com/programs/news-and-talk/affiliated/the-mark-levin-show/
  93. https://cumuluspodcastnetwork.com/press/release/2019/03/21/michael-savage-celebrates-25-years-in-radio-as-one-of-americas-most-influential-talk-hosts/
  94. https://www.wfmd.com/shows/jim-bohannon/
  95. https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2025/09/westwood-one-nfl-broadcasts-decades-long/
  96. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2022/03/28/cumulus-medias-westwood-one-and-the-nfl-renew-and-expand-longstanding-audio-media-partnership/
  97. https://www.insideradio.com/westwood-one-and-the-ncaa-renew-broadcast-agreement/article_1ae126f0-f9d8-11eb-a777-0772dbadce72.html
  98. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/211527/westwood-one-extends-ncaa-deal-to-carry-sports-championships/
  99. https://www.sportico.com/law/analysis/2021/westwood-one-ncaa-lawsuit-1234631412/
  100. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2025/08/05/cumulus-media-and-rumble-announce-joint-strategic-partnership/
  101. https://www.stockinsights.ai/us/0001058623/10-K/fy23-16d4
  102. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CMLS_09302017_Earnings_Release_FINAL.pdf
  103. https://talkers.com/2023/11/16/westwood-one-to-continue-to-as-barter-rep-agent-for-tm-studios/
  104. https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2025/03/17/the-business-case-for-am-fm-radio-advertising-be-known-before-youre-needed/
  105. https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/cumulus-media-and-audacy-announce-the-launch-of-westwood-one-sports-247-programming%2C258407
  106. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1058623/000105862320000010/cmls2019123110k.htm
  107. https://www.kcaaradio.com/final-understanding_westwoodone.pdf
  108. https://kab.net/westwood-one-notifies-affiliates-of-move-to-new-satellite-receiver/
  109. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/how-westwood-one-views-the-c-band-migration
  110. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2021/04/21/cumulus-media-rebrands-westwood-one-podcast-network/
  111. https://cumuluspodcastnetwork.com/
  112. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/advertising/digital-solutions/
  113. https://radioink.com/2021/03/04/westwood-one-files-patent-infringement-suit-against-lrn/
  114. https://localradionetworks.com/2021/05/local-radio-networks-asks-judge-to-declare-westwood-one-patents-invalid/
  115. https://www.insideradio.com/free/westwood-one-and-local-radio-networks-finalize-lawsuit-settlement/article_9559c750-91da-11ef-b799-8fad31d1e8d4.html
  116. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/ncaa-gets-to-void-broadcast-contract-with-westwood-one-radio
  117. https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/radio-network-cumulus-media-sues-nielsen-over-alleged-ratings-monopoly-2025-10-17/
  118. https://radioink.com/2025/10/17/textbook-abuse-cumulus-hits-nielsen-with-antitrust-lawsuit/
  119. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/10/21/why-cumulus-is-drawing-a-line-in-the-sand-in-its-lawsuit-against-nielsen/
  120. https://www.courthousenews.com/dial-global-accused-of-talk-radio-monopoly/
  121. https://rbr.com/did-ex-westwood-one-employees-engage-in-patent-theft/
  122. https://insight.rpxcorp.com/litigation/inndce-106310-westwood-one-v-local-radio-networks
  123. https://www.iniplaw.org/local-radio-networks-llc-sued-for-alleged-patent-infringement/
  124. https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/indiana/inndce/1:2021cv00088/106310/45/
  125. https://www.insideradio.com/free/westwood-one-local-radio-networks-ratchet-up-court-battle/article_2354bf22-d25f-11eb-a5ab-5feaf32d8728.html
  126. https://case-law.vlex.com/vid/westwood-one-llc-v-951155444
  127. https://law.justia.com/cases/indiana/court-of-appeals/2021/20a-ct-01965.html
  128. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/297063/westwood-one-eliminates-seven-24-7-formats/
  129. https://radioupdate.com/cumulus-cuts-seven-24-7-westwood-one-formats/
  130. https://www.facebook.com/radioinsightcom/posts/one-of-cumulus-medias-stations-was-forced-to-change-formats-by-the-companys-upco/1216633557131867/
  131. https://radioink.com/2025/04/25/westwood-one-vp-david-felker-out-as-cumulus-shutters-formats/
  132. https://radioink.com/2025/04/28/cheri-marquart-departs-westwood-one-amid-24-7-format-cuts/
  133. https://rbr.com/david-felker-293614-2/
  134. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/02/27/industry-figures-disagree-on-whether-westwood-one-is-still-committed-to-news-talk-radio-format/
  135. https://barrettmedia.com/2025/03/03/westwood-one-deserves-the-benefit-of-the-doubt/
  136. https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/cumulus-media-bias/
  137. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/05/business/media/conservative-radio-democrats-cheat.html
  138. https://www.ajc.com/life/radiotvtalk-blog/cumulus-media-tells-its-conservative-talk-show-hosts-to-stop-talking-about-a-stolen-election/PE2VM6SQKBFBZBULQTFZLQUV7A/
  139. https://www.insideradio.com/free/cumulus-westwood-one-directive-about-false-election-claims-garners-national-press/article_414098e2-54bc-11eb-844d-0f3e75ecb488.html
  140. https://talkers.com/tag/westwood-one/
  141. https://www.insideradio.com/free/it-s-official-dan-bongino-to-host-new-noon-3pm-show-for-westwood-one/article_db2a0e8e-87b1-11eb-a076-f7203d17c2cc.html
  142. https://radioinsight.com/headlines/206141/cumulus-westwood-one-to-move-dan-bongino-into-rush-limbaugh-timeslot/
  143. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/cumulus-media-launches-vince-show-and-vince-podcast-enhance-conservative-talk-radio
  144. https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2022/03/14/nielsen-political-media-plans-should-have-a-10-or-greater-allocation-of-am-fm-radio-to-reach-45-of-voters-not-reached-by-tv/
  145. https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Cumulus%2BMedia%2527s%2BWestwood%2BOne%2Bto%2BFeature%2BExclusive%2BInterview%2Bwith%2BPresident%2BDonald%2BJ.%2BTrump%2Bon%2B%2522The%2BMark%2BLevin%2BShow%2522
  146. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2022/09/06/new-study-underscores-local-radios-impact-for-political-candidates/
  147. https://deadline.com/2024/09/nfl-radio-broadcasts-reach-64-million-listeners-nielsen-westwood-one-1236077801/
  148. https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2024/09/03/64-million-fans-will-listen-to-the-nfl-on-westwood-one-and-why-sports-play-by-play-listeners-are-more-engaged-than-the-tv-audience/
  149. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/10/26/2767821/9032/en/Westwood-One-Host-Rich-Eisen-Wins-Prestigious-Marconi-Award-for-Network-Syndicated-Personality-of-the-Year.html
  150. https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2021/05/21/westwood-one-wins-2021-deadline-club-award/
  151. https://radioink.com/2018/06/11/breaking-news-award-for-westwood-one-news/
  152. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/cumulus-revenue-tumbled-11-4-in-2023
  153. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/cumulus-q2-revenue-drops-but-digital-growth-offers-a-lifeline
  154. https://www.insideradio.com/free/digital-drives-growth-at-cumulus-dms-revenue-soars-38-in-q2/article_f39b4885-95f4-446c-8209-edb72742635c.html
  155. https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2024/07/01/your-media-plan-has-streaming-music-and-podcasts-can-you-check-the-box-on-audio-not-so-fast-heres-why/
  156. https://www.westwoodone.com/blog/2025/01/21/four-new-findings-about-podcast-advertising-from-cumulus-medias-2025-audioscape/
  157. https://live365.com/broadcaster/the-future-of-radio
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.