WWOne Launches Fantasy Free Gaming Package

Westwood One and Loyal Ears Digital have been very busy signing up stations for its new Fantasy Free gaming package, which launches on Thursday, September 8 to stations around the country.

The weekly, year round, package of FREE fantasy games and contests, which are integrated into station websites, range from sports and entertainment to politics. Stations from all major groups, cities, and formats are signing up, including KJR/Seattle; WINZ-AM and WIOD-AM/Miami; KGME/Phoenix; WDVE-FM, WXDX-FM, and WPGB-FM/Pittsburgh; The Mighty 1090/San Diego; KTXX-FM/Austin; WXGI-AM and WZEZ-FM/Richmond; KCSF-AM/Colorado Springs; and WJJO-FM, WJQM-FM, and WOZN-AM/FM, Madison; with more stations signing up at press time.

Suzanne Grimes, Westwood One President and EVP, Corporate Marketing, said “Twenty percent of the American population is engaged in fantasy sports and entertainment on a weekly basis, so integrating this real-time, digital platform for radio stations makes sense. We’re excited to be able to provide this package to all stations, who can tap into that heavily-engaged audience with FREE games that are 100% legal, and that also generate revenue in the fantasy space.”

Fantasy Free allows stations to increase their digital footprint, bring in local advertisers, and find new ways for local talent to interact with listeners and give away prizes -- all at no cost to the audience. The games are integrated into a station’s website, with station and client branding and sponsorship opportunities.

Loyal Ears Digital CEO Jimmy Risk added, “State legislatures are lightening up and passing less restrictive fantasy gaming laws. That’s a great sign, especially when you consider the drafting effect for a radio station. Many of these same big-league fantasy players, after hearing about the game from their local station, will take their paid lineups to radio for the weekly prize and the status of winning. But those big name sites don't have the ability to mention winners on air. Radio does. And we’re free!”

Local stations can brand their own games starting with the NFL 2016 season, which kicks off on Thursday, September 8. For more information, contact Rich Burg at rburg@westwoodone.com | (212) 824-2994.

Click here to learn more and to demo the Fantasy Free product.