Westwood One and CNN Radio: The Rise and Fall of a News Partnership
The landscape of American radio news is often shaped by complex corporate acquisitions and shifting content partnerships. One of the most notable shifts occurred when Westwood One, a major radio network, partnered with CNN to deliver exclusive news content to stations across the United States.
This strategic move was part of a broader reorganization following Cumulus Media's acquisition of Westwood One in 2013. By merging Westwood One with the former Cumulus Media Networks, the company sought to consolidate its influence and diversify its news offerings.
The Strategic Shift to CNN
The decision to acquire exclusive content from CNN was timed carefully. The news division was established just months before Cumulus' existing agreement with ABC News Radio was scheduled to expire at the end of 2014. Prior to this transition, the majority of Cumulus radio stations—including heritage stations acquired through the purchase of Citadel Broadcasting—relied on ABC News as their primary national news source.
Furthermore, this move replaced the NBC News Radio service. NBC had previously been distributed by the original Westwood One network (which had been acquired under the name "Dial Global" in 2012) and had itself replaced a previous CNN Radio service years earlier. In addition to these shifts, Westwood One continued to distribute CBS News Radio until December 2017.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Network Growth and Expansion
Initially, the CNN-powered service was primarily adopted by stations owned by Cumulus Media. However, the network's appeal extended beyond its parent company. By February 2019, the service had grown significantly, expanding its reach to over 900 affiliates nationwide.
| Year/Period | Event/Affiliation Status |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Cumulus acquires Westwood One; merges with Cumulus Media Networks. |
| Late 2014 | Transition from ABC News Radio to exclusive CNN content. |
| Dec 2017 | End of CBS News Radio distribution by Westwood One. |
| Feb 2019 | Network reaches over 900 affiliates. |
| Aug 30, 2020 | CNN Radio service discontinued. |
The End of an Era
Despite its growth, the partnership came to an abrupt end in 2020. On July 9, Westwood One announced that the service would be discontinued on August 30, citing a need to prioritize company resources and "extraordinary circumstances in the current marketplace."
The final newscast aired at 11:30 p.m. ET on August 30, 2020. Following the shutdown, the majority of the affiliates—primarily Cumulus News and Talk stations—returned to ABC News Radio, while a small number of stations shifted their affiliation to Fox News Radio.
Key Facts
- Acquisition: Cumulus acquired Westwood One in 2013.
- Reach: At its peak in February 2019, the network had over 900 affiliates.
- Predecessors: The service replaced NBC News Radio and followed a period of reliance on ABC News Radio.
- Termination: The service ended on August 30, 2020, due to marketplace circumstances and resource prioritization.
- Aftermath: Most stations reaffiliated with ABC News Radio, with some moving to Fox News Radio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Westwood One switch to CNN content in 2014?
The switch occurred as Cumulus' deal with ABC News Radio was expiring and the company sought to establish its own news division using exclusive content from CNN.
How many stations were affiliated with the service before it closed?
As of February 2019, the network had expanded to over 900 affiliates.
When did the CNN Radio service officially end?
The service was discontinued on August 30, 2020, with the final newscast airing at 11:30 p.m. ET.
What happened to the stations after the service was discontinued?
Most former affiliates, particularly Cumulus News and Talk stations, reaffiliated with ABC News Radio, while a few others joined Fox News Radio.
What other news services did Westwood One distribute?
Westwood One previously distributed NBC News Radio and CBS News Radio (the latter until December 2017).