Westwood One, Subnation to Create Esports Audio Content

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Subnation

Westwood One and multi-platform media brand Subnation have announced a new strategic alliance that will bring esports audio content to millions of fans across the country. The first collaboration between the two companies is a weekly feature in Westwood One's syndicated "Zach Sang Show." Kicking off the partnership, Sang is onsite with Subnation at the 2019 Electronic Entertainment Expo, otherwise known as E3.

Sang is talking with celebrities, artists, insiders and fans through June 13. These interviews will air on the radio show in the evening. The first regular feature will air the following Tuesday, June 18 -- gaming legend Paul "Redeye" Chaloner will join Zach on his show every week to talk about gaming news, current standings, and new releases.

Heavy esports watchers are more likely to be heavy AM/FM radio listeners, according to a recent MARU/Matchbox National Community study fielded in February. The study also found that heavy esports watchers and heavy video game players frequently listen to Sports, Rock and CHR.

"Given our decades of leadership in iconic sports audio entertainment, Westwood One is uniquely positioned to capture the passion, scale and momentum of esports, bringing the new voices, commentary and perspectives of esports to the audio platform," said Cumulus Media EVP/Marketing Suzanne Grimes and President of Westwood One. "Subnation is the perfect partner to collaborate on authentic, high quality esports content that will resonate with our massive audience."

"Subnation's goal has always been to celebrate the gaming lifestyle and subcultures with the community through innovative content experiences and activations, wherever they are," added Subnation CEO Seven Volpone. "This partnership with Westwood One is the perfect opportunity to create premium audio content for the community, which will complement our immersive, experiential event activations, and editorial publication."

E3's official 2019 ESPORTS ZONE, powered by Subnation, is a 10,000 sq. ft space focused on spotlighting the cross over between the gaming culture and art, music and fashion. The area features community-centric exhibition matches with influencers and professional gamers, musical performances, experiential art exhibits, cultural experiences, developer interviews, progressive brand experiences, and pro-am tournaments.