USRN in Licensing Deal for ''25 Years of Hits''

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 21, 2016

United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) has completed a deal with California-based Cable Car Communications to license its weekly Country music program, "25 Years of Hits." The show is the creation of Bob Utley at Cable Car, and USRN has been the distributor for the past eight years. Effective immediately, the show will be completely produced under the auspices of USRN with new host Mike Allen of KNTY/Sacramento and Utley remaining as creative consultant.

"25 Years of Hits" is a two-hour music intensive program that provides a "count-up" of the top Country songs, featuring #1 hits in chronological order for the past quarter century. The show, which is broadcast in most markets on weekends, began in 2005 and is now heard on 89 stations across the U.S.

Allen, currently MD/afternoons at Entravision's KNTY-FM (The Wolf) in Sacramento, steps behind the microphone to anchor the weekly program. He's is also heard on EMF Broadcasting's Air 1 Network, and he started his career at crosstown CHR KHHM-FM (103.5). Allen will now serve as host for "25 Years of Hits" as well as oversee the weekly production of the program for USRN.

USRN Executive VP/Programming Andy Denemark said, "We're as enthusiastic about Mike Allen as he is about moving into the driver's seat on this show. And with the new emphasis on the music library at many Country stations, we expect some added momentum for this show going forward."