Audacy is the only audio company at IAB Newfronts; announces upcoming app relaunch

The IAB Newfronts showcase is a staging of presentations by content companies to advertisers. An invitation-only event, the stage is populated by on-screen content companies and giant media enterprises. In this year’s event, which is wrapping up four days of presentations today, featured brands included Spectrum Reach, Verizon Media, YouTube, Amazon, and dozens of others.

One audio company claimed a spot in the parade of big media brands: Audacy, the recently renamed radio and podcast giant (formerly Entercom). The distinctiveness of being part of a mainly non-audio showcase was probably worth the price of participation for the company. JD Crowley (Chief Digital Officer and RAIN Summmit speaker) and Ken Lagana (EVP of Digital Sales and RAIN Summit speaker when with Megaphone) anchored the presentation, which also featured a music video.

Ken Lagana

Ken Lagana walked his audience through basic Audacy talking points: the corporate rebrand; the podcasting enterprise (audacy owns Cadence13 and Pineapple Street Studios); its leadership in sports streaming, and the Audacy mobile listening app (formerly called RADIO.COM).

“An audio universe of discovery and connection,” is how Lagana termed it. A sizzle reel was highlighted. He highlighted C13Originals, a podcast production division which creates immersive experiences. Lagana also announced an upcoming relaunch of the Audacy app with what he called “an elevated experience”; he promised exclusive content. Speaking directly to the buying audience, he promised upcoming opportunities for brand partnership “on a very limited basis” — a classic “supplies are limited” pitch.

Interestingly, the second half of Audacy’s presentation was a music video from the band AJR, which played its song “Bang!” Judging by the chat window at this virtual event, the audience loved it. (IT was not the song’s official video; it appeared to us that AJR recorded a special performance for Audacy.)

.

Related Posts

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Spotify’s Q1 earnings report provides clear bragging points for Spotify. Click for details and a financial data graphic.

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

— Basic Education (Ad Results Media)

— Lots Of Win (The Webbys)

— La Mejor (Triton Digital)

You Missed

Spotify Q1: 1B Euros; total revenue +20%; 615 monthly users

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Steve Goldstein: Navigating The Real Risks Of AI-Audio

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

Audacy Sports launches today, solving a “clunky” problem and better serving advertisers

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

RAIN Notes: Wednesday, April 24

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Acast annual report: Defending and defining the podcast ad market

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency

Spotify exits the IAB; podcasting particularly affected; a signal of extraordinay self-sufficiency
Enjoy great online radio at AccuRadio!