Posted by chicagomedia.org on September 11, 2008 at 18:32:59:
Hanson, AccuRadio Launch Slipstream
Internet radio veteran Kurt Hanson and his AccuRadio.com are launching Slipstream Radio, a new company that will help broadcast radio stations extend their local radio brands online. Hanson, who is CEO and founder of AccuRadio, will serve as CEO of the new Chicago-based entity, with AccuRadio executive VP of programming Paul Maloney as VP of programming and AccuRadio lead developer Ralph Sledge as VP of technology.
"This is a critical time for the radio industry," Hanson says. "Broadcast radio needs to stay relevant and exciting even as consumers increasingly listen to their iPods, satellite radio and Internet radio and as the Internet becomes increasingly available via 3G, WiFi and WiMAX on both mobile devices and in car dashboards.
"The mission of Slipstream Radio is to help broadcasters meet consumer expectations by allowing them to offer a product that's specifically designed for Internet delivery -- a multichannel, personalizable version of their local radio station brand, featuring the local station's air personalities and branding and sponsored by the station's own advertisers."
Slipstream's personalization features would allow online listeners to pause songs, skip songs, eliminate selected artists from their mix and mix multiple genres together in a single customized stream. Broadcasters would be able to choose from the over 350 channels of music already developed for AccuRadio or even craft their own customized channels, selecting titles from Slipstream's 120,000-plus song music library.
In related news, Slipstream has inked a distribution and ad-sales deal with Triton Media, which will provide the Slipstream services to broadcasters and other content providers.
"Media companies today recognize the importance of a streaming strategy that goes beyond just repurposing their terrestrial brand," said Triton co-founder and COO Mike Agovino, "Slipstream is an important piece within the Triton Platform helping us to fulfill our mission of providing local media with best of breed digital tools and content which are easily monetized."
(R&R)