REDMOND, Wash., and SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 10, 1998 — Today Microsoft Corp. and OnRadio announced an agreement to accelerate the growth of Internet streaming media in the radio industry. The two companies will provide the Windows® Media Technologies platform to OnRadio’s network of more than 550 radio stations nationwide, enabling these organizations to extend their brands, increase their reach and generate nontraditional revenue opportunities. The powerful combination of Microsoft and OnRadio will also provide listeners with a richer Internet radio experience.
Rather than providing stations with a simplistic streaming radio toolkit, Microsoft and OnRadio are providing a complete end-to-end business solution. This turnkey solution includes the Microsoft® Windows Media Technologies streaming media platform; OnRadio’s exciting online content, integration and hosting services; and ongoing maintenance and support. For example, all stations in the OnRadio network will have access to dynamic online content from leading magazines Blaze, Spin and Vibe, as well as from Sony Music’s SW Networks, including artist interviews, new music cuts and music industry news.
“Radio stations that use Windows Media Technologies will not only improve their business and reach, they will improve their listeners’ experience,”
said Will Poole, senior director of business development at Microsoft.
“Our relationship with OnRadio provides Microsoft with an experienced business partner and a large network of leading radio stations. Together we can deliver complete end-to-end solutions that will rapidly expand Internet radio.”
“Microsoft’s support of OnRadio’s network validates its commitment to the radio and music industries,”
said Ricardo Ramirez, president and CEO of OnRadio.
”
Our relationship with Microsoft rounds out our offerings to radio stations, which will now benefit from their increased visibility on MSN
™, which will in turn increase traffic to their sites.”
Radio Stations Able to Quickly Offer Streaming Solutions
The number of radio stations with Web sites has increased dramatically in recent months, and today OnRadio has over 550 leading stations in its network. These stations are looking for solutions that allow them to use the Internet to improve their business. Because of the easy-to-use content creation tools and comprehensive distribution capabilities of Windows Media Technologies, new stations added to OnRadio’s network can quickly adopt streaming media to accomplish the following:
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Extend station brand. Embedding Windows Media Player in the station’s Web site allows the station to establish and reinforce its brand to the growing number of Internet users.
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Increase station reach. Stations are able to take their signal online either to the same audience that can now listen at work, or to an entirely new audience via the millions of users on the Internet running Windows Media Player.
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Generate new revenue opportunities. Streaming ad insertion and pay-per-listen capabilities of Windows Media Technologies enable radio stations to generate new, nontraditional revenue from their Web site.
“The Microsoft and OnRadio relationship will accelerate the growth and acceptance of streaming media in the radio industry,”
said Greg Verdino, vice president and general manager, Internet information services at Arbitron NewMedia.
“It is clear proof that streaming media should be a key component of any radio station’s Internet presence.”
Listeners’ Internet Experience More Interactive, Specialized
Internet listeners have been asking for richer content on radio station sites, such as streaming audio of the station’s broadcast and unique, on-demand content not available over the airwaves. The combination of Microsoft and OnRadio will provide listeners with a richer Internet radio experience. End users will benefit from new Internet radio services such as these:
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Online-specific content. Listeners have access to webcasts of new and innovative content available only on the Internet, such as concerts, interviews, sports events, election results and more.
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On-demand audio and video streams. Users can listen to their favorite radio programs at a convenient time, rather than when they are broadcast.
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Real-time broadcast available everywhere. The bounds of local radio transmission have been eliminated, giving users access to a broad spectrum of radio broadcasting worldwide.
Time Line
Microsoft and OnRadio expect this relationship will double the number of radio stations with online presence by the end of 1999. The companies also expect that at least 350 of OnRadio’s stations will begin streaming by June 1999.
About OnRadio
OnRadio, formerly known as ElectricVillage, is an integrated media network that brings the radio industry to the Internet. OnRadio provides radio stations with an end-to-end, high-impact, revenue-generating Internet solution with minimal risk and maximum benefit. By integrating the radio with the Internet, OnRadio creates an interactive environment that will establish local stations as entertainment and information hubs. The Internet presence will extend the stations’ relationship with the audience, increase brand loyalty and drive new income through nontraditional revenue streams. More than 500 radio stations currently belong to the OnRadio network. Customers include stations from all of the major broadcast groups including ABC,
Beasley, CBS/Infinity, Chancellor, Clear Channel, Heftel and Jacor. OnRadio was founded in 1996 and is located in Santa Cruz, Calif. OnRadio can be found on the Web at http://www.OnRadio.com .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Windows and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
OnRadio, the OnRadio logo and On Air to Online are trademarks of OnRadio. Copyright
©1998 ElectricVillage Inc. All rights reserved.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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