jacAPPS and Abacast Partner for Mobile Radio Applications

jacAPPS reaches definitive agreement with Abacast to develop online radio mobile apps integrated with the Abacast Ad Insertion Service.

September 30, 2010

Camas, WA and Southfield, MI – Abacast, a provider of online radio streaming solutions, and jacAPPS, a division of Jacobs Media and one of the world’s largest developers of mobile applications, have partnered to provide Abacast-branded online radio mobile applications for Abacast online radio customers.

The applications, which will be branded as the “Abacast Mobile Player, developed by jacAPPS” will be tightly integrated with the Abacast Radio Streaming Platform and provide multiple features for station revenue generation including rotating panels for multiple sponsorships and integration with the Abacast Ad Insertion System for in-stream audio ads with synchronized banners, pre-roll video ads and display ads.

“After looking at many of the online radio app developers in the market, we chose jacAPPS because of their deep radio domain experience, focus on station revenue generation, and app development expertise,” said Rob Green, interim CEO of Abacast.  “jacAPPS’ state of the art mobile apps will provide our customers with the ability to capitalize on the growth in mobile listenership and provide them a significant revenue stream.”  

“We’re excited to work with Abacast because of their extensive customer base and deep experience in monetization of radio stations,” said Paul Jacobs, Vice President and General Manager at jacAPPS. “Both companies realize that the explosive growth in mobile means not only an increase in audiences but also significant and new revenue opportunities.”

About jacAPPS:
jacAPPS is a division of Jacobs Media, a media research, consulting and applications development company with a special concentration on media and consumer products companies, including National Public Radio, Vh1, Sylvan Learning Centers, CBS Radio, and others.  Since November 2009, jacAPPS has become of one of the world’s largest developers of mobile applications. With over 150 apps for media clients, events, national talent, and other categories, jacAPPS has the capability and experience to develop strategic, customized, and turn-key apps that generate downloads, attention, and buzz.  

About Abacast:
Abacast is an online radio service provider offering one of the most complete, integrated suites of streaming, advertising, and analytics services available from a single vendor. Abacast services drive digital advertising revenue, grow audiences, and deliver top-quality user experiences for the online radio markets. Abacast was founded in 2000 and has successfully served hundreds of customers and tens of millions of consumers.

Crystal Media Networks Chooses Abacast for Online Radio Streaming and Ad Insertion

Crystal Media Networks reaches definitive agreement with Abacast to utilize Abacast’s streaming and ad insertion services.

Camas, WA and Bethesda, MD – Abacast, a mission critical online radio solutions provider and Crystal Media Networks, a leading provider of technology, media, and social networking products to Fortune 500 companies and radio and television broadcast groups, have partnered to provide a comprehensive, fixed-cost software, streaming, social, and analytics solution for Crystal Media Networks’ customers.

“CMN has an excellent Social Suite that integrates a radio station’s stream, website, social strategies, mobile, texting, affinity programs, geo-targeting, contesting, and more,” said Nick Krawczyk, CEO of Crystal Media Networks. “We needed a company that could provide consistently high bit-rate bandwidth and technical streaming services plus an intuitive, easy to use, ad insertion software program. Abacast fit the bill, has delivered excellent service, and represents a company with strong senior leadership.”

“Crystal Media Networks is one of the most successful companies in radio today, and we are thrilled to be providing software and services for them”, said Rob Green, Interim CEO, Abacast “Abacast’s world class ad insertion and streaming solutions will provide Crystal Media Networks’ Social Suite with the resources, service, and support it needs to continue its impressive growth.”

About Crystal Media Networks:
Crystal Media Networks is a progressive, leading network radio and social technology company. CMN develops software and applications that help drive usage to and integration between its clients’ web and social initiatives. For CMN’s media clients, this results in more listeners and viewers and unique revenue generating opportunities across its Social Suite of products.

It’s vital for radio stations to monetize their digital initiatives

SNL Kagen sees a bright future for online radio station revenue growth http://www.snl.com/SNL-Financial/Press_Releases/20091102.aspx . This is great news at a time when terrestial ad revenues are at a decline.

Because of the downward sloping revenues from traditional ad sales, terrestrial stations are accepting the online broadcast space as a viable revenue source. Services such as live streaming, mobile apps, and ad insertion are ways to build monetization for the radio station’s digital initiatives.

One easy and effective way in building online revenue is utilizing an ad insertion service. Ad insertion systems match advertisers with an online audience when broadcasting on the Internet. Basically, online radio ad insertion replaces the station’s terrestrial commercials with online-specific content for the Internet audience. The audience who listens to a radio station over the air hear the terrestrial ads, and listeners on the Internet hear the online ads. Ad insertion services integrate with the station’s broadcast so there is no need to dedicate extra resources to broadcasting an additional audio feed.

With the future of online revenue growth becoming more promising, now is the time for terrestrial stations to start familiarizing themselves with the digital monetization tools that are available.