When Memphis-based LMB Network announced that it was adding new programs to its Internet radio lineup, we reached out to President and Chief Operating Office Thomas Anderson for background on the station, and a view of its business outlook.
LMB Network was founded four years ago by Wiley Brown, Sr. Thomas Anderson joined a year after that and quickly became head of programming. Newly added programs include:
- “Sistah Chat”: A weekly talk show
- “Africa 2.0.”: Features show dealing with the African diaspora
- “Wine Radio”: Another weekly program
- “Osiyo TV.”: A lifestyle show for the Cherokee Nation.
The sound of LMB’s music stream is concentrated around Urban AC, including R&B, Reggae, Blues, and Southern Soul. The business model goes beyond 24/7 Internet radio, and is focused on content creation and syndication.
Currently LMB Network has nine affiliates that license its owned-and-operated content, according to Thomas Anderson. “Half of them are terrestrial, the other half Internet. We’re on both sides of the street.” Anderson hosts one of LMB’s shows, called “The Lounge.” It includes music, interviews, comics, poetry and other spoken word segments. “I like to keep it eclectic,” he said.
We asked whether content creation and syndication were the main pillars of LMB’s business plan. “Ultimately, yes,” he told us. “We are looking toward being mostly a production facility that produces shows and sells them to affiliates and syndicators. We’re doing that now.”
Anderson also noted that LMB’s programs will be archived and hosted on the site for time-shifted listening, next to the realtime stream, as a new feature for visitors. “In a couple of weeks we’ll move into a new chapter of on-demand.”
As of now, commercials are the main source of LMB revenue, all sold with in-house resources. The stream plays to an audience whose exact size Anderson would not disclose, except to say “It’s a sizable number.” Conversations with new sponsors are well along, he explained, with announcements coming soon.
Where will LMB Network be a year for now? Thomas Anderson sketched a vision of global reach from local roots. “We’re moving in a global direction; that’s where I see the brand going. Some of the affiliations we’re developing will move us into a more global position. For example, we’re speaking with a group called Africa 2.0, which has 34 chapters around the world. At the same time, we keep a local context. We partner with foundations in Tennessee, and have helped a local school obtain computers. We’ve worked with local mayors on voter registration issues.”
Thomas Anderson started in radio in South Carolina (“approximately umpteen years ago”), but that period of his career was brief. He worked at MTV for a stint, and was VP of the Magnatar record label.
“It has been an interesting ride. Radio was my first love. When I was in 7th grade I knew I wanted to do radio.”
