Wednesday, January 9th 2008
Radio With A Twist Joins Forces with Pride Radio
Multi-platform Programming Initiative Launches January 12 to be Syndicated Through Premiere Radio Networks
LOS ANGELES, January 9, 2008 – Premiere Radio Networks today announced that beginning January 12, Radio with a Twist, a weekly syndicated program featuring such elements as the Big Gay 7 countdown, news, gossip, celebrities, dedications and advice, will be added to Clear Channel Radio’s Pride Radio USA Network (www.prideradiousa.com). Pride Radio features programming for the gay and lesbian community, created by gay and lesbian development staff. The partnership will provide a multi-platform radio initiative with a gay sensibility, designed to not only appeal to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender (LGBT) audience, but also their straight friends and families. The combined program will be syndicated through Premiere Radio Networks and can be streamed in its entirety with additional music at www.prideradiousa.com.
Radio with a Twist was created and is produced by Wilderness Media & Entertainment and will continue with current hosts Dennis Hensley and Melissa Carter, joined by Pride Radio hosts Ryan and Caroline, coined “Radio’s Will & Grace.” It can be heard on CHR, Hot AC, and Rhythmic AC stations across the country, including six of the top-10 markets. News, gossip and celebrity interviews, along with additional on-demand elements of the show, will be available at www.prideradiousa.com.
Matt Farber, President of Wilderness Media & Entertainment and Founder of MTV’s Logo network stated, “We are extremely excited to partner with Clear Channel Radio’s Pride Radio USA Network to continue delivering unique mainstream programming with a gay twist. The unified effort will enable us to expand both the Twist and Pride brands, creating an environment that is uniquely appealing for this audience.”
Charlie Rahilly, Premiere Radio Networks President stated, “Offering diverse programming that is rich with entertainment and celebrity news is a great benefit to the listeners, and a valuable tool for the advertisers targeting this specific demographic. By syndicating this programming throughout the country, both local and national advertisers will have an expanded opportunity to reach this diverse audience.”
“By combining these shows and their talented hosts, we’ve strengthened the program while expanding its reach,” said Evan Harrison, Executive Vice President of Clear Channel Radio and head of the company’s online unit. “This partnership furthers our ability to offer relevant programming, both on-air and on-demand, to listeners of various lifestyles and interests.”
Pride Radio was launched in April 2006 and was created by Clear Channel Radio’s Format Lab initiative, which includes an army of more than 200 programmers. Wilderness Media & Entertainment first offered Radio with a Twist in January 2006 and was the first nationally syndicated commercial radio brand aimed at the LGBT audience, and their friends and families. In January 2007, Premiere Radio Networks began nationally syndicating the program and today, the two-hour weekend program is one of the largest broadcast vehicles targeting this audience.
Stations interested in Radio with a Twist can call Premiere Radio Networks Affiliate Marketing at 818-377-5300.
About Wilderness Media & Entertainment
Wilderness Media & Entertainment (WME) is the leading portfolio of independent gay and lesbian businesses, brands and media working together and supporting each other in the marketplace and the community. Through the Wilderness portfolio, allied companies representing the diversity of the LGBT community benefit from enhanced visibility among this audience. The portfolio includes new brands created and operated by Wilderness, such as Radio With a Twist, Music With a Twist, and Wilderness Talent Management, along with best of breed companies developing brands in the LGBT arena such as MTV Networks, America Online and Instinct Publishing. The mission of WME is not only a business one, but also a social one – to enhance the visibility of the LGBT audience by authentically representing the diversity of the community through media and entertainment initiatives. Research indicates that 15 million adults in the US currently self-identify as LGBT, an intensely brand loyal demographic with an estimated $610 billion in annual buying power. WME reaches the LGBT audience through top-tier entertainment, media and business prospects, providing quality outreach and initiatives for its portfolio entities, as well as exceptional offerings to this diverse, growing audience.
About Premiere Radio Networks
Premiere Radio Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of Clear Channel Communications (NYSE:CCU), syndicates 90 radio programs and services to more than 4,600 radio affiliations and reaches over 190 million listeners weekly. Premiere Radio is the number one radio network in the country and features the following personalities: Rush Limbaugh, Jim Rome, Casey Kasem, Ryan Seacrest, Glenn Beck, Bob (Kevoian) & Tom (Griswold), Delilah, Steve Harvey, Whoopi Goldberg, Blair Garner, George Noory, John Boy and Billy, Donald Trump, Big Tigger, Bob Costas and others. Premiere is based in Sherman Oaks, California, with 13 offices nationwide.
