Entercom, one of the biggest names in U.S. commercial radio, will change that name to emphasize its focus on the broader world of audio.
Entercom Communications Corp. is transitioning its brand name to Audacy, effective immediately. It also will “sunset” the name of its digital platform Radio.com.
The new corporate name Audacy emphasizes the role of audio in the company’s business; it also has echoes of “audacity.” The company’s stock ticker symbol will change from ETM to AUD in early April.
[Read Radio World’s recent special report about how radio companies are defining themselves around on audio: “For Radio, Audio Is the New Now”]
“Over the past three years,” it stated in the announcement, “the company has purposefully evolved into a scaled, multi-platform audio content and entertainment organization with the country’s best radio broadcasting group and a leadership position in virtually every segment of the dynamic and growing audio market — including broadcasting, podcasting, digital, network, live experiences, music, sports and news. Audacy is also the #1 creator of original, premium audio content.”
The announcement was made by Chairman, President and CEO David Field. He said the company has “transformed into a fundamentally different and dramatically enhanced organization.”
Here’s how it now positions itself: “Audacy engages over 170 million consumers each month across its connected platform including the Audacy app and website, over 230 radio stations across 47 markets, influential chart-topping podcasts and premium live music experiences.”
In the announcement, Entercom listed activities over several years that built in this direction.
It acquired CBS Radio, “building scale as one of the two largest radio broadcasting groups, with unrivaled leadership in news and sports,” and it launched Radio.com. It acquired Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Studios, “establishing Audacy as one of the three largest podcasting publishers,” and established important podcast partnerships with companies like HBO and Netflix. Most recently it acquired Podcorn, a “podcast influencer marketplace.”
In sports it also acquired QL Gaming Group and built a partnership with FanDuel. And it made partnerships with Apple, Google, Amazon and Twitch “to enable its listeners to connect seamlessly with Audacy audio content wherever and whenever they want it.”
The company also made several related announcements. It created a podcast partnership with singer Demi Lovato and new podcasts and projects including shows from Boomer Esiason, Big Tigger and “The Rich Eisen Show,” as well as a revamped “Loveline.”
“Additionally, a number of original podcasts will launch exclusively in a bingeable window on Audacy’s app,” it stated.
It also announced partnerships with BetMGM for sports betting and entertainment and with Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights to add on-demand and interactive features.
