Salem Radio Network and Salem Music Network to Expand Their Satellite Distribution Platform
DALLAS, TX -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/26/11 -- Salem Communications (NASDAQ: SALM), Salem Radio Network (SRN) and Salem Music Network (SMN) proudly announce a plan to expand their satellite distribution platform to include the WEGENER® 6420 store-forward DVB receiver beginning in the third quarter of 2011.
SRN is planning to outfit its Christian teaching and talk commercial affiliates with new iPump digital store and forward audio satellite receivers in the Top 100 markets by year's end, while SMN plans to upgrade all Today's Christian Music and The Word in Praise affiliates within that same timeframe.
"SRN's decision to continue utilizing a satellite receiver from WEGENER is based on the iPump 6420's quality, functionality and widespread industry use," said Greg Anderson, president of Salem National, which includes SRN and SMN. "With over a decade of nearly flawless service with the current WEGENER Unity receivers, SRN is confident that WEGENER's new product will serve SRN and the Christian radio community for many years to come."
Mike Miller, vice president and general manager of Salem Music Network, added: "Salem Music Network is excited to provide even more localized and customizable service elements for its affiliates through WEGENER's outstanding satellite receiver."
Since the WEGENER iPump 6420 receiver uses the same technology for live satellite-delivered programming as the Unity 4000/4600, all stations' Unity receivers will still be functional and will be able to pick up the live audio feeds of SRN and SMN channels.
"It is pleasure to be selected by Salem Radio Network for their next generation radio platform," stated Troy Woodbury, President and CEO of WEGENER Corporation.
Greg Hurt, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Microspace Communications, the satellite uplink provider for Salem Radio Network and Salem Music Network, added, "Microspace remains committed to supporting the evolving needs of SRN, SMN and all of the Christian Radio Consortium. Store forward and FTP content delivery allow programmers much greater flexibly while more efficiently utilizing their bandwidth."
The WEGENER iPump 6420's next generation architecture integrates file-based program distribution with live programming, seamlessly blending audio outputs through the use of audio fades, mixes and pre-positioned station liners. SRN also will use the WEGENER iPump 6420 to push prerecorded ministry and long-form programming to equipped stations.
Salem Communications Corporation is the largest commercial U.S. radio broadcasting company that provides programming targeted at audiences interested in Christian and family-themed radio content, as measured by the number of stations and audience coverage. Upon completion of all announced transactions, the company will own and/or operate a national portfolio of 94 radio stations in 36 markets, including 59 stations in 23 of the top 25 markets. Salem also programs the Family Talk™ Christian-themed talk format on XM Radio, channel 170, and on SIRIUS, channel 161.
Salem also owns Salem Radio Network, a national radio network that syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliated radio stations and Salem Media Representatives, a national media advertising sales firm with offices across the country. Salem Radio Network is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Salem Communications Corporation.
In addition to its radio broadcast business, Salem owns a non-broadcast media division. Salem Web Network is a provider of online Christian and conservative-themed content and streaming and includes websites such as Christian faith focused Christianity.com, Questions and Answers about Jesus Christ at Jesus.org, Christian living focused Crosswalk.com®, online Bible at BibleStudyTools.com, and Christian radio ministries online at OnePlace.com. Additionally Salem owns conservative news leader Townhall.com® and conservative political blog, HotAir.com providing conservative commentary, news and blogging. Salem Publishing™ circulates Christian and conservative magazines such as Homecoming® The Magazine, YouthWorker Journal™, The Singing News, FaithTalk Magazine, Preaching and Townhall Magazine™. Xulon Press™ is a provider of self publishing services targeting the Christian audience.
Contact Charles Mefferd Vice President Operations Salem Radio Network 972-831-1920 x115 Email Contact
Source: Salem Communications Corporation
Released February 26, 2011