Worldwide News Network is expanding its international footprint. The network has secured its first European distribution agreement.
What We Know: Worldwide News Network has partnered with BLR to bring its newscasts and alerts to German broadcasters. The BLR network is Germany’s leading radio news and content syndicator. The agreement marks the first international deal for the radio news network, which launched from Red Apple Audio Networks in May. Through BLR’s distribution platform, stations across Germany can access Worldwide News Network’s top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts. The partnership also gives the network a pathway toward additional European expansion. The technical distribution is supported by Radio.Cloud, whose cloud-based newsroom platform powers operations for both companies. The shared technology allows for content production, live distribution, and file-based delivery across markets.
What They Said: “Audiences around the globe deserve the facts about what is going on in our world and that is why we created the Worldwide News Network. We’re delighted to partner with BLR and look forward to working with them as we continue to expand our reach into more European markets and around the world.” -Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis
“Expanding beyond the U.S. is an important milestone for Worldwide News Network. We’re excited to partner with BLR to bring an authentic American perspective on world events. This is the first step in building an international network of partners who value trusted, high-quality radio journalism.” -Worldwide News Network Senior Vice President of News and Programming Lee Harris
“The United States remains one of Germany’s closest and most important allies. For many listeners, it’s valuable to hear major news stories directly from a U.S. perspective. We also serve stations located near major U.S. military communities, including Ramstein Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation outside the United States. Many Americans have lived in Germany for years, listen to local radio every day, and we believe they’ll appreciate having access to news from their home country as part of that experience.” -BLR CEO and Program Director Sebastian Steinmayr
What Remains Unclear: Worldwide News Network has not announced additional international distribution agreements. The network also has not revealed which European markets it plans to target next.
What It Means: The BLR partnership gives Worldwide News Network an early international presence just months after launch. Additionally, the deal shows the company is pursuing growth beyond the U.S. radio market by partnering with established broadcasters overseas.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.