Gow Media, owner of one of the country’s largest sports radio networks, announced it will now operate the network under its own brand, SportsMap Radio.
Gow has owned the network for over ten years, when it acquired the assets of Sporting News Radio.
Shortly thereafter Gow re-branded the network through partnerships to become Yahoo Sports Radio for five years and then SB Nation Radio for four years.
Effective July 27th, 2020, Gow will continue to provide the same shows and sports updates to affiliates across the country but will now do so with its own name.
“We have benefited from brand partnerships with great companies such as Yahoo and SB Nation but have ultimately concluded that we no longer want to be subject to the fate of another brand. Strategically, it is important to build our own brand,” said David Gow, CEO of Gow Media. “For our sponsors, we maintain our large audiences, with a network of over 500 affiliate stations. For our affiliates, our strong lineup remains. What is different, though, is that by operating as SportsMap, we can partner with multiple entities (vs. a single brand partner) in the development of new content and the expansion to digital platforms,” added Gow.
In the past 90 days, Gow has already tapped into partnerships that have enhanced its 24/7 lineup. The company added top industry talent such as Scott Ferrall through Sportsgrid and Tony Bruno and Eytan Shander through Jakib Media.
“Top to bottom our lineup has never been stronger. We have gotten great feedback from our affiliates,” said Craig Larson, Program Director of the SportsMap Radio Network. “We have recognized that we don’t need to create every show ourselves. Through partnerships, such as Sportsgrid and Jakib Media and others soon to come, we can assemble a lineup that is best-of-breed,” said Gow.
About Gow Media
Founded in 2007, Gow Media, LLC is a multi-platform media company based in Houston. The company owns one of the country’s largest national sports radio networks, now called the SportsMap Radio Network, which provides a 24/7 lineup and sports updates to over 500 stations across the country. Additionally, Gow owns a couple of radio stations in Houston, and a portfolio of digital content sites.
CultureMap.com is the leading online destination for lifestyle content in Texas, with localized sites in the five major cities of Texas. SportsMap.com is a leading Houston sports site, and InnovationMap.com covers stories of innovation in Houston. Late last year Gow launched AutomotiveMap, positioning the company with four content sites under a common “map” identity.
Gow Media, LLC is backed by a private investment group with significant experience in media ownership. The investor group includes Steve Webster, co-manager and co-CEO of Avista Capital; Patrick Dugan, vice president and general counsel of Nortex Corporation; and David Gow, chairman and CEO of Gow Media, LLC.
(This post was taken from a release sent to me by Gow Media)
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