Westwood One (current)

Westwood One (current) is a major American radio network and audio content provider owned by Cumulus Media. It operates as a national platform for news, sports, talk, and music programming, distributing content to thousands of affiliate stations across the United States. The network also provides extensive coverage of major sporting events and produces popular podcasts and syndicated shows.

History

The current iteration of the network was formed after Cumulus Media acquired the assets of the original Westwood One and Dial Global in a series of transactions, culminating in a major restructuring in 2013. This merger consolidated several large syndication companies under the Cumulus Media umbrella, creating a single dominant national audio network. The company subsequently rebranded its entire national syndication division under the historic Westwood One name, leveraging its brand recognition. Key milestones in its modern history include securing long-term rights to broadcast NFL games and launching a significant podcast network to compete with digital audio platforms like iHeartRadio and SiriusXM.

Programming

The network's programming is a diverse mix of talk, sports, news, and music formats. It is the official national radio broadcaster for the NFL, carrying Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, the Super Bowl, and the NFL playoffs. Westwood One also broadcasts major sporting events like the Olympics, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, and the Masters Tournament. Its news and talk lineup includes shows from personalities like Mark Levin, Dan Bongino, and Ben Shapiro, alongside daily news features from CNN. The network has aggressively expanded into on-demand audio with the Westwood One Podcast Network, distributing popular shows such as The Dan Bongino Show and The Ben Shapiro Show.

Affiliates and distribution

Westwood One distributes its programming to a vast network of over 7,800 affiliate radio stations across all fifty states, making it one of the largest radio networks in the United States. Its affiliates include stations owned by its parent company, Cumulus Media, as well as a large number of independent stations and those owned by other major groups like iHeartMedia and Audacy. Content is delivered via satellite through providers like Comtech and XDS, as well as through digital IP connections. The network also has a significant digital footprint, with its podcasts and live streams available on platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the TuneIn radio service.

Business operations

As a subsidiary of Cumulus Media, Westwood One operates as the national syndication and network arm of the company, generating revenue through national advertising sales and affiliate fees. Its operations are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside its parent company. A key business strategy involves bundling premium sports programming like the NFL with its talk and music offerings to attract and retain affiliate stations. The network also operates a dedicated ad sales division that sells commercial time across its entire national platform to major advertising agencies and brands such as Geico and Home Depot.

Controversies and legal issues

The network has been involved in several controversies, often related to the provocative content of its conservative talk hosts. Figures like Mark Levin and Dan Bongino have drawn criticism for their commentary, leading to complaints to the FCC. In 2020, Westwood One ended its distribution of The Rush Limbaugh Show following statements by Rush Limbaugh about the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked widespread advertiser boycotts. The network has also faced legal challenges typical of the media industry, including copyright disputes over music licensing and contractual disagreements with on-air talent and affiliate stations regarding syndication agreements.

Category:American radio networks Category:Cumulus Media Category:Radio broadcasting companies of the United States