After announcing the upcoming end of their deal with Skyview Networks at the end of the year, ABC Audio has announced it will partner with Compass Media Networks as its new exclusive advertising representative for spot radio inventory.
Along with the partnership, ABC Audio has announced the addition of Steven Portnoy as national news correspondent based in Washington DC. Portnoy returns to ABC, where he previously covered the 2008 and 2012 elections, after a run at CBS News Radio.
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.
“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.