UF and Entercom Communications announce new economic and educational partnership
Entercom and the University’s College of Journalism and Communications enter into seven-year agreement with WRUF-AM and WRUF-FM
BALA CYNWYD, PA and GAINESVILLE, FL – Today the University of Florida and Entercom Communications announced a new seven-year economic and educational partnership with WRUF-AM and WRUF-FM effective September 1.
Entercom, one of the nation’s leading radio broadcasting companies, will represent the stations’ commercial advertising sales efforts through a joint sales agreement with the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications.
Another key component of the partnership is the opportunity for students in the College to work in the daily operations of Entercom’s two local radio stations, in addition to the experience they gain at the College’s multimedia properties. Entercom operates 97.3 The Sky, Gainesville’s news talk authority, and adult contemporary 98.5 WKTK.
These opportunities, which will include sales, digital marketing, programming, news, sports, promotions and public relations, are not limited to north central Florida; Entercom also will open the doors to its twenty-two markets and 111 other stations around the country.
“Entercom is proud to enter into this unique partnership. This agreement brings the best in radio together with one of the best journalism and communications programs in America,” said David Field, Entercom President and CEO. “We are especially excited to work with and nurture top students who could be the future of our industry.”
“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership between the College and Entercom,” said John Wright, dean of UF’s College of Journalism and Communications. “In an ever-changing media landscape this agreement ensures the long-term sustainability of WRUF-AM & FM. We look forward to working with our faculty to take advantage of all these new educational opportunities for our students.”
“This is a win-win-win agreement,” said Dick O’Neil, Entercom’s vice president and market manager. “The University of Florida wins academically as well as financially. Entercom wins by adding two of the best-known stations in the market to our sales portfolio and we create real world internship opportunities for a new generation of students. The listeners in Gainesville win with a continuation of the best sports, country music, and everything University of Florida.”
About Entercom Communications
Entercom Communications Corp. (NYSE: ETM), led by President and CEO David Field, is one of the five largest radio broadcasting companies in the United States, with a nationwide portfolio of 111 stations in 23 markets, including San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Denver, Portland, Sacramento and Kansas City.
Known for developing unique and highly successful locally programmed stations, Entercom is home to some of radio’s most distinguished brands and compelling personalities. The company is also the radio broadcast partner of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Kansas City Royals, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Hornets, Oakland Athletics and San Jose Sharks.
Entercom focuses on creating effective integrated marketing solutions for its customers that incorporate the company’s audio, digital and experiential assets. Additionally, the company has a long-standing commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and environmental stewardship. Entercom stations play a vital, hands-on role in improving their communities, providing over $100 million in annual support for local charitable organizations.
The company’s radio stations have received numerous awards, including multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in broadcast journalism as well as the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Marconi Award for excellence in radio broadcasting.
Posted: August 28, 2012
Category: College News
Tagged as: Entercom, WRUF-AM, WRUF-FM
