Total Traffic and Weather Network

Total Traffic and Weather Network. It is a national provider of real-time traffic and weather information for radio and television stations across the United States. The service, owned by Audacy, Inc., aggregates data from numerous sources to deliver localized reports to affiliates. Its coverage spans major metropolitan areas and interstate highways, supporting commuters and travelers.

History

The network was established in 2003, initially operating as a division within Westwood One. Following the acquisition of Westwood One by Cumulus Media, the service expanded its data-gathering capabilities. In 2017, as part of a larger transaction, the assets were purchased by Entercom, which later rebranded as Audacy, Inc. This period saw integration with other Audacy, Inc. properties like Radio.com and the CBS News and Stations traffic operations. Key developments included partnerships with departments of transportation in states like California and Texas to enhance data accuracy.

Programming

Programming consists primarily of short-form, pre-produced audio reports updated continuously throughout the day. Content focuses on current traffic speeds, accident locations, construction delays, and forecast conditions from the National Weather Service. During major events like Hurricane Katrina or Winter Storm Uri, coverage intensifies with frequent special updates. The network also provides feeds for morning and afternoon drive time periods, which are often voiced by local announcers at affiliate stations such as WINS (AM) in New York City or KNX (AM) in Los Angeles.

Affiliates and coverage

The service boasts a large affiliate network that includes major radio groups like iHeartMedia, Cumulus Media, and Audacy, Inc.'s own stations. Its reports are heard on thousands of stations across all fifty states, with particularly dense coverage in major markets like Chicago, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. Television partners, including local affiliates of NBC, ABC, and Fox Broadcasting Company, utilize its data for on-screen graphics. The network also supplies information for navigation systems and digital platforms like Waze and Google Maps.

Technology and distribution

The network employs a sophisticated technology platform that integrates data from aircraft, traffic cameras, GPS probes, and sensors embedded in roadways like the Interstate Highway System. This data is processed at a central facility and distributed via satellite to affiliates using the Comrex technology. The system allows for rapid generation of localized reports, which can be customized for specific regions such as the San Francisco Bay Area or Interstate 95. Mobile applications and partnerships with Sirius XM further extend its distribution reach.

Corporate information

The network operates as a business unit within Audacy, Inc., a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. Its executive leadership falls under the Audacy, Inc. management structure, with oversight from the Board of directors of the parent company. Primary revenue is generated through licensing fees charged to affiliate stations and advertising sales within its reports. Major competitors in the traffic information space include INRIX and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's own services in certain regions like New York City.

Category:Radio networks in the United States Category:Traffic reporting Category:Audacy, Inc.