Cox Media Group, Big Machine Ink Direct Licensing Deal

Leading independent record label Big Machine Label Group and Cox Media Group (CMG) have announced an agreement to work together to bring the best in music and entertainment through radio and new digital technologies to their music fans and radio listeners. With the partnership, which includes revenue sharing for both broadcast and digital play, Big Machine and its artists will become the first record company to ink a direct licensing deal with CMG.

“This agreement represents an exciting opportunity for Cox Media Group to work together with Big Machine and their artists,” said CMG President Bill Hoffman.  “We believe that partnering directly with a label across our broadcast and digital platforms is mutually beneficial. We will ultimately enhance the opportunities for our fans, listeners, and our respective companies.”

Under Big Machine Label Group’s wholly-owned imprints Big Machine Records and The Valory Music Co., artists such as Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett will benefit from this agreement.

"Bill Hoffman and Kim Guthrie have done an incredible job with the Cox Media Group by simultaneously building and preserving their great radio station brands while also reimagining what the future of broadcasting is going to be. Their station apps are among the very best,” said Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta. "Big Machine understands that a forward move in the digital broadcasting space is a must to get ahead of the many opportunities that a digital dashboard and other digital initiatives are going to bring.  We are thrilled to continue to elevate our partnership with this incredible company as the broadcasting sea change continues.”

CMG’s Executive VP of Radio Kim Guthrie added, “Among the many choices in the audio entertainment landscape, radio is now available to consumers through CMG’s exclusive radio apps, smartphones, NextRadio, HD Radio, radio streaming on offerings like iHeart Radio and Tune-In, and more. This deal and partnership will keep us in step with the listening habits and lifestyles of our listeners.”

CMG owns some of the nation’s top country stations, including the NAB Marconi Awards 2013 top country station of the year, KKBQ in Houston. CMG’s other leading country stations include Orlando’s WWKA, San Antonio’s Y100 KCYY, Dayton’s WHKO, Tulsa’s KWEN and Athens’ WNGC.