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Press Releases:
- 01-09-2008
WESTWOOD ONE AND MAPTUIT LAUNCH 200th REALTRAFFIC WEBSITE -- Superior Traffic
Information System Powers Leading Local Media Partners -- APIs for Navigation Devices, Mobile, Fleet and Web Services
Introduced
NEW YORK, NY--January 09, 2008 -- Westwood One/Metro Networks (NYSE: WON) and Maptuit Corporation
announced today that have now deployed their online interactive traffic service, RealTraffic™, on more than 200 local
websites for leading radio, TV, newspaper affiliates and Department of Transportation clients nationwide.
“RealTraffic offers the commuter the most accurate, timely and updated traffic information, powered by an unrivalled
network of over 60 local operation centers and 1600 locally staffed reporters and producers,” commented Bill Martin, SVP
Interactive Traffic Services for Westwood One. “When commuters are looking for traffic information to plan their commutes
and schedule their trips, they rely on Westwood One’s network of experienced traffic reporters and Westwood’s extensive
traffic data gathering and verification network to provide them with the most complete and accurate information.”
RealTraffic is a digital traffic application, that seamlessly integrates into the websites of Departments of
Transportation, newspapers, radio and TV stations across the country, giving visitors an easy to use service that quickly
lets them know when traffic incidents occur that affect their commute from home or from work and it offers alternate routes
they can use to avoid them. RealTraffic, developed by Westwood One and Maptuit, Inc. provides commuters with live traffic
maps, driving directions, personalized commute pages, traffic cameras and email/mobile traffic alerts.
“The RealTraffic application delivers our customers the most comprehensive traffic information service available in the
marketplace,” said Gary Krantz, Chief Digital Media Officer of Westwood One. “We are thrilled to work with our affiliate
partners in supporting their needs and reaching this new milestone with our longtime partner Maptuit.”
“We are very excited to reach this new milestone with Westwood One and continue to raise the bar for traffic information
services for commuters as they demand content that is relevant and accurate and that helps in their daily lives,” stated
Jeffrey Papows, President and CEO of Maptuit. “We are looking forward to continuing to make the application more robust in
the future, and with the introduction of APIs for PND, Mobile Fleet and Web clients, we will further expand the reach of
the RealTraffic network.”
The latest version of RealTraffic delivers our affiliates a service in a simple package. RealTraffic 2.0 provides live
traffic maps, KeyRoute™ travel times, driving directions integrated with live traffic reports/trip delays/alternate routes,
MyCommute personal traffic pages and email and mobile alerts and over 3000 traffic cameras.
Founded in 1999, Maptuit Corporation is the leading provider of location information web services for consumer and
transportation markets. Built around the industry's most sophisticated and up-to-date model of the North American road
network, Maptuit has developed its services to support the transportation, tracking and traffic markets. For more
information please visit www.maptuit.com. Maptuit is a registered trademark in the United States, and Maptuit, RealTraffic,
MyCommute and other names or logos identifying the services of Maptuit Corporation are trademarks or service marks of
Maptuit Corporation.
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features and live events.
Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages
traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to
wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio
stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio.
Press Contacts:
Peter Sessa |Westwood One |212.641.2053 |peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
Carlos Bernal, Maptuit |781.222.5068 x230 |carlos.bernal@maptuit.com
2007 Press Releases
- 11-26-2007
WESTWOOD ONE ANNOUNCES GROUP INTERACTIVE AGREEMENT WITH CITADEL BROADCASTING
NEW YORK, NY--November 26, 2007 -- Westwood One (NYSE:WON) announced today a group-wide agreement
with Citadel Broadcasting (NYSE: CDL) to provide Citadel Interactive with online traffic and news services. Westwood
One and Maptuit’s online interactive traffic service,RealTraffic, will debut on 50 Citadel station websites by January
1, 2008 and will provide commuters with real-time traffic information. Westwood One’s online news service, MetroWebNews,
will debut on more than 200 Citadel sites, also by January 1, 2008.
RealTraffic is a digital traffic application, which is seamlessly integrated into the websites of departments of
transportation, newspapers, radio and TV stations across the country, giving visitors an easy to use service that quickly
lets them know where traffic problems are and which routes they can use to avoid them. RealTraffic, developed by Westwood
One and Maptuit, Inc. provides commuters with live traffic maps, driving directions, personalized commute pages, traffic
cameras and email/mobile traffic alerts.
MetroWebNews is also easily integrated into websites nationwide and provides local, statewide, regional news, as well as
over 75 customizable categories in sports, genre specific music, health and financial, among others. In addition, to
complement its news content, MetroWebNews also provides affiliates with high-quality audio and imagery.
“This partnership with Citadel represents our largest distribution deal of our key Metro assets with any media entity to
date, commented Gary Krantz, Westwood’s Chief Digital Media Officer. “ As Citadel aggressively rolls out their digital
platform, we are excited to work closely with Citadel Interactive to create compelling local content to their growing list
of radio station websites. We look forward to working with them on additional distribution and products going forward in
2008”
“This partnership is a tremendous step forward in providing our listeners on-demand access to news and real time traffic in
the digital arena” said John Rosso, SVP Digital Media, Citadel. “This is also great news for advertisers. This enhanced
web experience will translate into more traffic and a more engaging experience for our online customers.”
About Citadel
Citadel Broadcasting Corporation is the third largest radio group in the United States, with a national footprint reaching
more than 50 markets. Citadel is comprised of 170 FM stations and 63 AM stations in the nation’s leading markets, in
addition to the ABC Radio Network business, which is one of the three largest radio networks in the United States. For more
information visit www.citadelbroadcasting.com.
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features and live events.
Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages
traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to
wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio
stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com
Contact:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
Mike Pallad
Citadel Broadcasting
212 887-1664
mpallad@citcomm.com
- 10-18-2007
WESTWOOD ONE / SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF 511 MASSACHUSETTS
-- Westwood One's SmarTraveler Information Service Has Transitioned To Provide 511 Access to Travelers in the Metro Boston Area
NEW YORK, NY--October 18, 2007 -- Westwood One (NYSE: WON) announced today that commuters are now
able to access up-to-the-minute, route-specific traffic, transit, weather, construction and event information by
dialing 511 on their wireless telephones in the metro Boston area. The new 511 Massachusetts, a service provided by
MassHighway and powered by Westwood One, replaces the existing SmarTraveler service, which has been is use since 1993.
"SmarTraveler has been the most successful, most-used traffic information service in the country, and with 511
Massachusetts, now more people will be able to access it and learn about more of our highway system," said Transportation
and Public Works Secretary Bernard Cohen. "We're constantly looking for ways to improve our transportation system for
commuters and travelers in Massachusetts. We expect 511 to help commuters navigate traffic and stay on top of their
commutes."
Since it's inception in 1993 the SmarTraveler Information Service has received over 93 million calls, more than any other
similar service in the nation. Instead of dialing *1 on their mobile phones, Eastern Massachusetts commuters will now
dial 511 for traffic and transit information. The re-launched service is now available from every wireless phone carrier.
511 Massachusetts now provides information for Worcester area travelers with information on Interstate 290, which was not
previously part of the network. This expansion is designed to service commuters who have seen increased traffic volume in
the Worcester area in recent years. In addition, commuters can now call 511 instead of #321 to report road debris or road
problems or for general MassHighway information.
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON), the country's leading provider of audio content and programming, provides over 150 news, sports,
music, talk, entertainment programs, features and live events. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast
Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic,
video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local
departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems
and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio. For
more information visit www.westwoodone.com.
Contact:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 10-17-2007
AT&T, Alcatel-Lucent, BEA, Cognizant, IBM, Motorola, Microsoft and Westwood One Team Up
to Deliver Groundbreaking Content Commerce Standards -- First Ever “Content Encounter” at Management World Americas 2007 Puts
TM Forum at Forefront of Managing the New Digital Marketplace
MORRISTOWN, NJ--(BUSINESS WIRE)--October 17, 2007 -- The TM Forum announced today a ground-breaking,
interactive demonstration involving many of the luminaries of the communications, entertainment and media world that
demonstrates how to manage converged content and multimedia services using open interfaces. The walk-through, hands on
demonstration named “Content Encounter” immerses the visitor into an integrated services environment, showing delivery
of integrated and personalized communications services that include a range of informational and entertainment content
and business applications. The goal is to enable a new ‘digital marketplace’ for content owners, service providers, device
manufacturers, advertisers and consumers.
TM Forum, the world’s leading industry organization dedicated to business transformation, operations and management for the
converging worlds of communications, information and entertainment will unveil this work at their upcoming Management World
Americas event, November 5-8 in Dallas. The interactive showcase integrates emerging standards into the lifecycle of
content from creation to consumption, illustrating each step along the way with demonstrations and technical, behind the
scenes explanations. Highlights include real-time delivery of content and location-based information to a variety of
devices from mobile phones to wide-screen TVs.
“Today’s market is being driven by the conflux of the communications, Internet, entertainment and other content-centric
industries colliding. As the lines blur and new business models take shape almost weekly, it is more important than ever
for operators, content providers and everyone in the value chain to work together to provide innovative services to
subscribers,” said Martin Creaner, President of the TM Forum. “This project represents the TM Forum commitment to
developing standards as a means to bring all parties to the table to define a common ground, and as a result help advance
creativity and technology in this new market.”
Content in the demonstration will include video, news, and audio interviews, location-based services as well as
advertisements from local Dallas restaurants that include real discounts for demonstration visitors. The motivation for
Content Encounter is to use a standard interface between the multitude of content providers and communication service
providers. In the real-world, use of a standard interface will greatly reduce the amount of time, risk and cost for
operators and content providers to work together, without which the business scenario of rich content offerings to end
customers becomes complex and unprofitable.
“The collaborative effort of the TM Forum Content Encounter initiative is an important step in enabling content providers
and service providers to rapidly deliver diverse content and innovative, integrated and converged services in an
unprecedented, personalized manner to end users,” said Mark Francis, AT&T Vice President, Enterprise Architecture. As the
service provider sponsor for the Content Encounter project, AT&T provided the vision and focus of the initiative.
Content Encounter will be open Tuesday and Wednesday, November 6 and 7th from Noon to 7 pm and Thursday from 10 am to 2:30
pm at the Management World event. For more information or to arrange a guided walkthrough, contact Juliet Shavit at
jshavit@tmforum.org
About the TM Forum
With over 600 members in 65 countries, the TM Forum is the world’s leading trade association focused on management of
information, communications and entertainment services. The Forum provides leadership, strategic guidance and practical
solutions to improve the way that services are created, delivered, assured and charged. Members include the majority of the
world’s service providers, network operators, software suppliers, equipment suppliers and systems integrators.
The Forum currently facilitates over 80 technical programs and provides extensive training, conferencing and information
services to its members. Through its initiatives to help providers move to 21st century ‘lean’ processes, the Forum helps
its members automate business processes by deploying operational systems that will work seamlessly across various parts of
the service delivery chain. The organization provides industry benchmarks, guidebooks, process and software frameworks and
specific ‘plug and play’ standards. These give service providers the direction and specific roadmaps to achieve much
greater business efficiency and operational flexibility.
For further information regarding the TM Forum, related programs such as the Prosspero initiative and its Management World
conferences, please visit www.tmforum.org
Contact:
TM Forum
Juliet Shavit
+1 215-504-4272
jshavit@tmforum.org
- 09-10-2007
WESTWOOD ONE INTERACTIVE EXPANDS WITH NEW ADDITIONS AND KEY APPOINTMENTS -- Adam Niemen
named Vice President, Interactive Content -- Nicole Horsford named Vice President, Interactive Sales and Marketing
NEW YORK, NY--September 10, 2007 -- Westwood One (NYSE: WON) announced today a restructuring within the
Company’s Digital Media/Interactive division. Effective immediately, Adam Niemen has been named Vice President
of Interactive Content, overseeing all aspects of the creation, execution and maintenance of original content for
Westwood One’s growing portfolio of digital media assets. Effective September 17, 2007, Nicole Horsford will be
named Vice President, Interactive Sales and Marketing, responsible for the monetization of Westwood One Digital
Assets. Both Niemen and Horsford will be based in New York and will report directly to Westwood One Chief Digital
Media Officer, Gary Krantz.
“As our digital platform continues to grow, the addition of these great professionals to our team represents
Westwood One’s commitment to the continued creation and monetization of these assets,” commented Krantz. “In
addition, we are re-directing our internal resources with individuals within Westwood One/Metro Networks who have
demonstrated the skill sets to take our initiatives forward.”
Adam Neiman – VP/Interactive Content
Adam joins Westwood One from Clear Channel Interactive, where he served as Program Director of their Format
Labs, before which he worked as SR. Director/Programming for Music Choice. Adam’s responsibilities include
overseeing all aspects of the creation, execution and maintenance of original content for Westwood One’s growing
portfolio of digital media assets within Talk, Music, Entertainment, and Sports Programming.
Nicole Horsford – VP/Interactive Sales and Marketing
Nicole joins Westwood One from Oddcast, a company whose expertise includes cutting edge technology for user
generated media, viral marketing campaigns, video and avatar technology. Prior to Oddcast, Nicole served as an
Account Executive for Saatchi and Saatchi Advertising. Nicole is responsible for the monetization of Westwood One
Digital Assets, including: direct advertising sales of banner, in-Stream and interactive sponsorships; as well as
advertising revenues associated with new business arrangements with licensing, re-sale, and partnerships with
media companies, mobile providers, portals, and other potential customer targets.
Westwood One’s Digital Media/Interactive division also includes:
- Benjamin Kayne - Senior Director, Interactive Sales and Operations
- Sean Crabtree - Manager/Digital Media
- Eli Dvorkin – Manager, Interactive Entertainment Content
- Bill Martin – SVP/Interactive Traffic Services
- Bill Richardson - National News Director, Metro Source Online
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON), the country's leading provider of audio content and programming, provides over 150
news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features and live events. Through its subsidiaries, Metro
Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries
including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages
traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to
wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than
5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com.
Contact:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 06-26-2007
WESTWOOD ONE AND ACCU WEATHER ANNOUNCE INTERNET AND MOBILE WEB PARTNERSHIP -- Partnership
Brings Metro Networks’ Traffic to AccuWeather.com On the Internet and on the Mobile Web
NEW YORK, NY--June 26, 2007 -- Westwood One (NYSE: WON) and AccuWeather, Inc. announced today
an extension of their content and distribution partnership by which Metro Networks traffic content will be
added to the free AccuWeather.com sites on both the wired and mobile web. Beginning in August 2007,
visitors to AccuWeather.com, one of the most trafficked sites on the Internet, will have access to Metro
Networks’ RealTraffic interactive traffic service, complete with continuously updated interactive maps,
incident data, personal driving routes, and traffic alerts. The same timely information will be delivered to
users accessing AccuWeather.com from their mobile devices.
"This is a best in brand partnership by two great companies, to offer online and mobile users the most
comprehensive weather and traffic experience anywhere,” said Gary Krantz, Chief Digital Media Officer of
Westwood One. “It is yet another step in Westwood One's commitment to working proactively with our blue
chip partners on creating new interactive services for consumers and advertisers."
“AccuWeather is pleased to work with Westwood One to bring our AccuWeather.com audience the most
timely, reliable, and relevant information,” said Dr. Joel N. Myers, AccuWeather Founder and President. “As
both a weather and media leader, we are dedicated to providing the timely information customers want, on
their computers, on their phones, and anywhere else they may need it.”
Westwood One and AccuWeather first partnered in 2003 to exclusively bring AccuWeather content to radio.
AccuWeather now offers local customized weather forecasts and content to over 200 radio stations
nationwide, including: WINS-AM New York, WCAA-FM New York, WBBM-AM Chicago, WBZ-AM Boston,
WMAL-AM Washington DC, and WBT-AM Charlotte, among others.
About AccuWeather
AccuWeather, The World’s Weather Authority, presents accurate, localized, branded forecasts and severe
weather bulletins to over 110 million Americans each day via the Internet, mobile devices and IPTV, through
the airwaves, and in print. The 113 meteorologists at AccuWeather deliver a portfolio of customized products
and services to media, business, government, and institutions, and inform millions of visitors worldwide
through the free AccuWeather.com website. AccuWeather also provides content onto more than 20,000
third-party Internet sites, including CNN Interactive, ABC’s owned and operated stations, The Washington
Post and The New York Times.). On the web or on your cell phone, visit www.accuweather.com for more
information.
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs,
features and live events. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood
One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news
services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local
departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle
navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations.
Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com.
Press Contact:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
Press Contact:
Justin Roberti
AccuWeather, Inc.
814.235.8756
roberti@accuweather.com
- 06-20-2007
WESTWOOD ONE APPOINTS BILL MARTIN SVP INTERACTIVE SERVICES
NEW YORK, NY--June 20, 2007 -- Westwood One (NYSE:WON) announced today that effective immediately, Bill
Martin will assume the position of Senior Vice President of Interactive Services. In his new role, Martin oversees
digital content distribution and partnerships for Westwood One’s traffic information services including online, mobile,
automotive, commercial fleet and government markets.
“Bill is one of the most respected and talented executives in the traffic industry and has done a fantastic job
establishing Westwood One as the clear leader in the marketplace,” commented Gary Krantz, Westwood One’s
Chief Digital Media Officer. “As we continue to lead the way in the delivery of our traffic and news data to these new
and emerging markets, Bill’s experience and strategic vision will be a tremendous asset for the company.”
“Westwood One is the most widely used source of real-time traffic information in the U.S. and I am excited to help
introduce new compelling applications and services for our affiliates and commuters,” states Martin. “It is certainly a
privilege to work with the leading traffic information team and our extensive network of strategic partners, affiliates
and interactive customers.”
Bill Martin has over 15 years of sales management experience that spans the media, advertising and content
industry. Martin has held numerous sales management positions and most recently served as Director of Sales
with SmartRoute Systems, a Westwood One Company. Martin will be based in Boston, Massachusetts.
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON), the country's leading provider of audio content and programming, provides over 150
news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features and live events. Through its subsidiaries, Metro
Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries
including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages
traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to
wireless, Internet, and in-vehicle navigation systems. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations.
Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com.
Contact:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 04-18-2007
WESTWOOD ONE AND MSNAP ANNOUNCE MOBILE MARKETING AGREEMENT -- Arrangement Provides Mobile
Interactivity to Westwood One Programming
SAN FRANCISCO, CA and NEW YORK, NY--April 18, 2007 -- Westwood One (NYSE:WON) and mSnap, Inc., a leading
mobile marketing technology company, today announced a strategic relationship to integrate mSnap’s mobile
marketing platform with Westwood One network radio programming. The multi-year agreement will provide
selected Westwood One music, talk and sports programming with mobile advertising capabilities, as well as allow
program personalities and advertisers to engage listeners in an interactive mobile dialogue.
“Westwood One’s broad national reach gives us the missing piece in the mobile marketing puzzle,” said mSnap
CEO, Timothy Favia. “When combined with our unique mobile marketing platform, the partnership allows us to
offer advertisers the ability to reach in excess of 100 million mobile consumers and engage them in a relevant,
consent-based way. Radio advertising and programming is now more interactive, engaging and measurable than
ever.”
mSnap’s mobile advertising technology platform enables radio programmers and listening audiences to
communicate with each other, making both radio programming and advertising more interactive. Powering a
nationwide network of radio stations to create interactive consumer experiences, mSnap’s platform converts
traditional ‘push’ media to permission based marketing, delivering text messages or rich media via WAP (wireless
application protocol) to consumers’ mobile phones.
“This partnership is another example of Westwood One’s continued commitment to providing enhanced multiplatform
opportunities for our advertisers,” said Gary Krantz, Chief Digital Media Officer of Westwood One.
“Westwood One now offers one-to-one marketing solutions through mSnap coupled with the kind of intensive
consumer reach that only network radio can deliver.”
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features and
live events. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local
content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other
information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local departments of
transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice
portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS
Radio. For more information visit www.westwoodone.com.
About mSnap, Inc
mSnap is a leading mobile marketing technology company whose ad delivery and management platform enables
traditional media and advertisers to engage consumers in an interactive dialogue. Currently focused on radio,
mSnap has built the largest national network of affiliate radio stations, potentially reaching an audience in excess
of 100 million listeners per week. mSnap is positioned to capture a significant share of the nascent mobile
marketing sector, as advertisers increasingly look to harness the power of mobile interactivity to drive dramatic
improvements in the effectiveness of traditional media. mSnap has received funding from leading venture capital
firms, First Round Capital and Partech International. For more information, visit http://www.msnap.com.
Press Contacts:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212-641-2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
John Falcone
mSnap
203-687-6147
john@msnap.com
- 01-30-2007
WESTWOOD ONE/METRO NETWORKS AND MAPTUIT ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF REALTRAFFIC V.2.0 -- DRIVES WEB
READERS TO LOCAL MEDIA WEBSITES FOR REAL-TIME TRAFFIC NFORMATION
New York, NY--January 30, 2007 -- Westwood One/Metro Networks (NYSE: WON) and Maptuit
corporation announce the release of RealTraffic 2.0, a significantly enhanced version of its real-time traffic
reporting web application designed to dramatically improve the commuting experience by providing up-tothe-
minute traffic information to help make better driving decisions. RealTraffic is currently the largest
provider of real-time traffic content to media sites in the country with over 130 newspaper, radio, DOT and
TV websites using this service generating over 12 million monthly page views combined. RealTraffic 2.0
comes loaded with new features and functionality and now provides a more user friendly and more
personalized experience.
Some of the new features include: color-coded Speed and Flow maps based on traffic sensor data, Key
Routes, which allows users to see the route’s Traffic Index™ time and calculated delay time based on traffic
flow, and Maptuit’s new larger draggable maps with richer colors and easy-to-read detail. Another key new
feature In RealTraffic 2.0 is the addition of “My Commute”, an industry first. This feature allows individuals
to set-up their daily door-to-door commute, and to receive traffic alerts either via the web or via text
messages to their cell phone, keeping them informed and alerting them about traffic incidents along their
own chosen route.
“Over the past few years we’ve created the ultimate commuter experience by offering Maptuit’s and
Westwood One’s RealTraffic service on media portals,” stated Westwood One/Metro Networks Chief Digital
Media Officer Gary Krantz “With RealTraffic 2.0 that experience is enhanced by providing more
personalized content. The new personalized traffic report, MyCommute, includes greater content and
specifically alerts subscribers to traffic events that impact their commute or other travel plans. Users can get
alternate directions to help them get to where they need to go. Diversified Media sites in Radio, Television,
Newspapers, and regional sites are experiencing increased web traffic, increased and advertising
revenues, creating web reader loyalty by keeping the reader on their site at all times and providing content
that is relevant, timely and useful. Current Media sites using Realtraffic 2.0 included 1010 WINS-AM/NY,
WABC-TV/NY, Washingtonpost.com, and NorthJersey.com.
“Maptuit has invested a great deal of time, energy and resources in developing our new maps, traffic speed
and flow features, all of which are of great benefit to our customers and partners” stated Jeff Papows, CEO
of Maptuit. “With RealTraffic 2.0, subscribers will have greater flexibility, content and media sites will be
able to enjoy a boost in their web traffic when they deploy RealTraffic on their sites, that to me is a win-win
for all involved”
Westwood One/Metro Networks and Maptuit have developed the RealTraffic 2.0 service by leveraging their
core strengths . Westwood One has the largest traffic gathering and reporting operation in the world,
tapping into a network that is made up of over 1,800 reporters, a fleet of more than 100 aircraft, and
thousands of traffic cameras, reporting through 70 operation centers located in every major city. RealTraffic
and now RealTraffic 2.0 is becoming a “must have” traffic service for media portals to use to attract and
retain loyal readers and subscribers. Maptuit is a proven technology innovator having provided the first realtime,
hybrid and dynamic in-cab truck navigation solution for the commercial transportation industry, as well
as the first in-vehicle truck-to-door navigation service for the truckload carrier and logistics market. Maptuit
currently powers 5 of the top 10 trucking companies in the country, and hundreds of web sites with its core
road and location information systems.
How It Works
With RealTraffic 2.0, commuters who subscribe to the service are able to set up personalized accounts via
MyCommute, where they can enter locations such as “work” and “home”, as well as define trips between
them such as “home to the gym on weekdays at 7:30AM”, or “work to home, weekdays between 5:30PM
and 7PM”. At the specified time intervals, the RealTraffic 2.0 service checks each trip for traffic incidents
and notifies the commuter of any traffic advisory that will impact their trip using a SMS (Short Message
Service) or e-mail alert.
RealTraffic 2.0 Features:
- Key Routes – time delays on the roadways with Traffic Index™ and delay time
- MyCommute – personalized preferences with Traffic Index™ and delay time
- Precise directions, right down to the lane (express, collectors, shoulder, etc.) of the roadway.
- Incident information placed in context using an interactive street level map.
- Overlaid icons, points of interest, traffic cameras and message signs.
- Updates automatically every few minutes.
- Traffic cameras by route.
- Driving Directions integrated with traffic information – select a route which avoids traffic delays or get
an alternate route
About Westwood One
Westwood One (NYSE: WON), the country's leading provider of audio content and programming, provides
over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, and live events including: The NFL
and the Super Bowl; NCAA Football; NCAA Basketball and the Final Four; The NHL; The GRAMMY
Awards; the Academy of Country Music Awards; CBS, CNN and NBC Radio News; the Radio Factor with
Bill O’Reilly; Imus in the Morning; and more. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast
Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports,
weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content
to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more
than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio.
About Maptuit Corporation
Founded in 1999, Maptuit Corporation, headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, provides truck specific,
real-time, turn-by-turn directions and navigation solutions for the trucking industry, and tracking and traffic
services for the transportation and consumer markets. With Maptuit’s advanced real-time web services and
patented technology, companies benefit from the ability to easily look up addresses, create maps, perform
proximity searches, generate optimized routes and provide directions. For more information please visit
www.maptuit.com.
Maptuit is a registered trademark in the United States, and Maptuit and other names or logos identifying the
services are trademarks or service marks of Maptuit Corporation.
Press Contacts:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
Media Contact
Carlos Bernal
Maptuit Corporation
781-222-5068 x 230
carlos.bernal@maptuit.com
2006 Press Releases
- 12-28-2006
THE TOP TEN WORST TRAFFIC INCIDENTS OF 2006 -- Experts at the Nation’s Largest Traffic
Gathering Organization Unveil the Ten Worst Traffic Incidents of the Year
New York, NY--December 28, 2006 -- Metro Networks, a Westwood One (NYSE: WON) company and the largest
traffic gathering and reporting operation in America, unveiled today the list of The Top Ten Worst Traffic Incidents of
2006. Compiled by Metro Networks traffic experts from across the country, the list covers incidents from 10 top U.S.
markets.
| NEW YORK: |
Tomahawk test missile ends up on Interstate highway |
| SAN FRANCISCO: |
Meatpacking truck spills cow body parts across freeway |
| HOUSTON: |
Truck containing frozen chickens splits open |
| BOSTON: |
12-ton concrete ceiling panel falls onto car |
| DALLAS: |
Bridge damaged by rig carrying oil refinery equipment |
| DETROIT: |
Two semis collide on Northbound I-75 |
| CHICAGO: |
Summer long repairs on 4 major roads |
| ATLANTA: |
Two cars and a tractor collide backing up traffic for 10 miles |
| LOS ANGELES: |
Crash causes S/B freeway to close for almost 13 hours |
| WASHINGTON DC: |
Two tractor trailers collide on Northbound I-95 |
“Our list shows the incidents that have caused some of the biggest traffic jams this year. American’s are already
struggling with longer rush hours and more challenges to their daily commute. Metro Networks is here to help people
navigate a worsening problem in their lives," said John Frawley, EVP of Operations for Metro’s 70 traffic offices.
Frawley has been a leading traffic expert for the past 20 years. He currently helps oversee Metro’s traffic gathering
infrastructure which is the largest in the world, including more than 70 local traffic operation centers, 1,800 traffic
reporters, producers and broadcasters, over 100 aircraft and agreements with Departments of Transportation for ITS
and 511 service deployment.
THE TEN WORST TRAFFIC INCIDENTS OF 2006
New York City - In July a tractor-trailer hauling a Tomahawk test missile overturned on I-95 SB in the Bronx. The
missile ended up on the Interstate. The highway was closed that morning while ATF officials and NYPD bomb crews
investigated. Metro Network radio and TV helicopters were over the scene all morning as workers carefully removed
the missile from the highway. No serious injuries resulted. There apparently was no triggering device on the missile.
San Francisco – A meatpacking truck traveling along the NB101 in San Mateo got into a messy accident spilling cow
body parts all across the freeway. Commuters experienced heavy delays as workers cleaned up the hundreds of
strewn body parts.
Houston – An accident on the ramp from 610 North loop to the US59 resulted in a truck falling off the ramp and
breaking open. The truck contained frozen chickens which were thrown all over the freeway below.
Boston - In July a 12-ton concrete ceiling panel from a "Big Dig" connector tunnel gave way, dropping onto a passing
car. The tunnel, which connects the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) to the Ted Williams Tunnel, had to be shut down,
choking traffic between Boston's Metrowest and Logan International Airport. Thousands of commuters spilled into
downtown Boston and South Boston in search of alternate routes in a confusing sea of work crews and detours.
Dallas - A rig carrying oil refinery equipment on northbound Loop 12 in November smacked into an overhead bridge at
the Highway 183 interchange by Texas Stadium. The driver of the massive truck had permission to use Loop 12 and
was told that there would be enough clearance to get under the bridge. The wreck happened one day before a major
bridge demolition along I-30. Unfortunately Highway 183 was the scheduled alternate route for drivers heading back
and forth from Dallas to Tarrant County.
Detroit – In early November two semis collided on Northbound I-75 in Monroe. They caught on fire and flaming debris
was scattered clogging the entire freeway and involving another four semis and about six cars. The heat damage was
severe and the highway was closed for a week to repair the surface.
Chicago- The Summer of 2006 was one long traffic nightmare for commuters from the south suburbs of Chicago and
Northwest Indiana. The Dan Ryan Expressway, Chicago Skyway and I-80/94 were all under construction at the exact
same time leaving them no alternative but to sit in the long delays day in and day out.
Atlanta- Two cars and a tractor trailer collided just before the start of morning rush hour killing two people. The
interstate was closed for the entire rush hour backing up traffic almost 10 miles and clogging many alternate routes.
Los Angeles – In March, on the S/B 710 at Washington, a big rig overturned, caught fire, and burnt to the ground. The
entire S/B freeway was closed for almost 13 hours. As this is the East LA Interchange it affected every major freeway
heading in and out of Downtown Los Angeles from before the morning rush through the evening rush that day.
Washington DC – On a Friday morning in the spring, two tractor trailers collided on I-95 North in Massaponax, VA
(just south of Fredericksburg). The trucks caught fire and damaged the roads so severely that they had to be repaved.
The accident shut down I-95 North late into the night and caused major delays on I-95 South.
About Westwood One:
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, and live
events including: The NFL and the Super Bowl; NCAA Football; NCAA Basketball and the Final Four; The NHL; The
GRAMMY Awards; the Academy of Country Music Awards; CBS, CNN and NBC News; the Radio Factor with Bill
O’Reilly; Imus in the Morning; and more. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services,
Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video
news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic information centers for state and local
departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems
and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by
CBS Radio.
Press Contacts:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 09-18-2006
WESTWOOD ONE CONTINUES FORWARD MOMENTUM IN DIGITAL MEDIA WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF GARY KRANTZ
TO NEWLY CREATED POSITION OF CHIEF DIGITAL MEDIA OFFICER -- Announcement Comes as Westwood One Launches Several Programming Websites Including:
The Osgood File (theosgoodfile.com) Randy Jackson's Hit List (rjhitlistonline.com), Loveline (lovelineshow.com) and Notre Dame Football
(ndfootballradio.com)
New York, NY--September 18, 2006 -- Westwood One (NYSE: WON) announced today that, effective September 25, 2006,
former Air America President Gary Krantz will assume the position of Chief Digital Media Officer at Westwood One. In this newly
created position, Krantz will oversee all aspects of Westwood One's burgeoning digital portfolio including newly launched websites
for The Osgood File (theosgoodfile.com) Randy Jackson's Hit List (rjhitlistonline.com), Loveline (lovelineshow.com) and Notre Dame
Football (ndfootballradio.com). He will be based in New York and report directly to Peter Kosann, Westwood One President and CEO.
"The appointment of Gary Krantz highlights the immediate shift of Westwood One's Digital Media portfolio from the
developmental stage to execution," said Peter Kosann, Westwood One President and CEO. "Destination web sites for key
personalities and programs have been launched and the syndication of local content to broadcast affiliates and non-
broadcast affiliates is rapidly expanding. Gary's unique strengths in programming sales, and marketing will enable our new
platforms to quickly gain traction with consumers, affiliates and advertisers."
"I am thrilled to be joining Westwood One at this perfect time in the company's growth," said Krantz "Radio is re-inventing
itself as the leading provider of audio content in all platforms, and Westwood One is a major player. This is a world class
company, with a 30-year track record in providing compelling content that is perfectly positioned to extend and develop
programming and brands in to new media platforms, and increase our ability to super-serve our advertisers, radio
affiliates, programming partners and listeners."
As President of Air America Radio, Krantz oversaw all operations of the company, including advertising sales, affiliations,
marketing, Air America's flagship station WLIB-AM, and the online web/interactive divisions. Prior to that, Krantz worked
at Premiere Radio Networks a division of Clear Channel Communications, performing in a variety of senior positions
including EVP/Operations, SVP/Music and Entertainment, and SVP/Sales of Mediabase, the leading music airplay monitoring
system in the Country. Krantz also worked directly with Clear Channel radio format directors to identify marketing,
programming and branding opportunities within Premiere and the entire Clear Channel platform. Before joining Premiere, he
served as Senior Vice President of AMFM Radio Networks where helped launch the programming arm of the network. Prior to
AMFM, he was the VP/GM of MJI Broadcasting where he was part of the core team that launched that company in 1981. At MJI he
established and oversaw the first affiliate marketing and international divisions of the company. Krantz sits on the board
of the John Bayliss Foundation, the Emerson College Board of Overseers, and is active in several industry organizations
including N.A.R.A.S, Lifebeat, The Country Music Association, The Country Radio Broadcasters, which he served as President,
and Leadership Music.
Over the past several years, Westwood One has: launched the new www.westwoodone.com, which now offers interactive,
streaming and downloadable content to a worldwide audience; launched SmartRoute System's RealTraffic, to provide real-time
traffic data to the online community; entered into an exclusive agreement with TrafficCast, the leader in predictive and
flow traffic information in the U.S. and China, to deliver integrated real-time traffic information for Yahoo! via Yahoo!
Maps; and developed a strategic relationship with NAVTEQ, a leader in premium quality digital map data, which integrates
Westwood One's traffic incident data into the NAVTEQ Traffic solution for certain navigation enabled devices in North
America.
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, and live events.
Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages
traffic information centers for state and local departments of transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to
wireless, Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers. Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio
stations. Westwood One is managed by CBS Radio.
For more information please contact:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
- 07-20-2006
511 – A Move in the Right Direction -- 511 SmartRoute Systems Moves Operations to SunGuide
Transportation Management Center
Miami, FL--July 20, 2006 -- 511 SmartRoute Systems, one of the SunGuide Intelligent Transportation Systems
partners within Florida, has moved their operations to the SunGuide Transportation
Management Center. This two story 32,000 square foot facility, located at 1001 NW
111th Avenue in Miami serves as the regional command and control facility for Miami-
Dade and Monroe countries. This facility also houses the dispatchers for Troop E of the
Florida Highway Patrol, and South Florida Commuter Services. These groups seamlessly
work together to manage incidents, provide real-time traveler information, provide
commuting options and coordinate with the regional SunGuide Partners.
Jesus Martinez, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Administrator, District 6 said:
“We’re excited about having the Smart Route 511 operations here with us at FDOT
District VI headquarters. We’ll work together to provide timely traveler information
regarding accidents, traffic congestion and construction delays. It’s all designed to ease
and lessen the time a motorist has to spend on the highways. Just like Miami traffic, it’s a
24/7 operation.”
511 telephone and Internet systems use the information gathered through the utilization
of cameras and detectors monitoring traffic flow. When a motorist dials 511, the
Interactive Voice Response System (IVR) provides clear, accurate, up-to-the minute
traffic information in both an English and Spanish format. And for repeat users, there’s
no need to wait for the System’s questions or prompts if you’re looking for information
in a specific area. As soon as the 511 connection is made, even during the system’s
welcoming speech, just name the highway or road you want information for. Say,
’95…Miami’ or ‘Turnpike…Broward’ or ‘US 1…Palm Beach’. For roads with unique
names like ‘Dolphin Expressway’, ‘State Road 60’, ‘Southern Boulevard’, or ‘University
Drive’, there’s no need to add a county name. And the best part, it’s another free FDOT
service.
This same information is also available at the web site www.southflorida511.com. At
the web site, one is able to create a specific route and view any traffic problems that may
affect the route, view traffic from live cameras, and set up their own custom traffic alerts.
There is even a “511 Frequently Asked Questions” section available to guide one through
the process.
FDOT continually works to improve its current programs as well as develop new ways to
ease traffic problems and concerns within Southeast Florida. Relocating SmartRoute 511
in FDOT’s District VI SunGuide Transportation Management Center is another move in
the right direction.
For additional Information, contact:
Jonathan Fricke
Marketing Manager
SmartRoute 511 · SunGuide Transportation Management Center
1001 NW 111 Avenue · Miami, FL 33172
305.914.3900
- 05-08-2006
SMARTROUTE SYSTEMS LANDS HELICOPTER AT ITS AMERICA
PHILADELPHIA, PA--Monday, May 08, 2006 - Jim O'Neill, vice president/general manager of
SmartRoute Systems shows off a Westwood One / SmartRoute Systems helicopter at ITS America. Delegates to the annual meeting
were invited to come and visit the SmartRoute stand, check out the firm's products and have the chance to be photographed
inside the cockpit.
SmartRoute operates a network of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, plus camera networks, road
sensors and works with state DOTs to help build up its traveler information services, including live traffic incidents
reporting, congestion and flow reports and travel times.
The company reported more than six million traffic incidents last year and provided data, audio and video proudcts in the
100-plus cities it covers nationwide, gathering theinformation in more than 70 local operation centers. For more
information visit www.smartroute.com.
View Press Release & Photo
- 01-26-2006
WESTWOOD ONE'S METRO NETWORKS DRIVES OVER 110 MILLION WEBSITE
HITS WITH REALTRAFFIC -- Radio and TV Stations; Newspapers and State
Departments of Transportation nationwide that integrated Metro
Networks RealTraffic into their websites experienced A surge in page
views
New York, NY- Thursday, Jan 26, 2006 -- Metro Networks,
with its subsidiary, SmartRoute Systems, both Westwood One (NYSE:WON)
companies, together with Maptuit® Corporation, announced today that
their RealTraffic" web service drove a total of 110 million website
page views to affiliated websites since it's launch in January 2004.
More than 85 million of the total number of page views came in the
2005 calendar year. Seamlessly integrated into the websites of Radio
and TV stations; Newspapers and State Departments of Transportation
across the country, RealTraffic is the only on-line traffic
information service powered by Metro Networks, the largest traffic
gathering and reporting operation in the world.
RealTraffic partners currently include: WINS-AM, WNBC-TV (New York),
KTTV-TV (Los Angeles) WUSA-TV and WRC-TV (Washington, DC), The
Washington Post and numerous others.
"The RealTraffic interactive feature on 1010wins.com has certainly
helped to power its growth," said Mark Mason, VP News CBS Radio
Stations / Executive Editor 1010 WINS. "We exceeded 10,500,000 page
views during December and there's little doubt that this very
helpful little widget is a magnet for visitors who want to check
their route before hitting the road. I've recommended it to all of
our stations for use on their sites. It's also a perfect compliment
to our on-air Shadow traffic reports."
"The station's assignment desk uses Navigation 4 to determine where
to send Chopper 4 for the 5:00 PM newscast," said Steve Frank,
Managing Editor WNBC.com New York. "In addition, since the launch of
Navigation 4, it has averaged over 450,000 page views per month."
"After more than 30 years of helping drive rating increases for
radio stations with innovative, enthralling programming, Westwood
One has taken that drive to the interactive level with RealTraffic,"
said Chuck Bortnick, Westwood One Co-COO. "The integration of
RealTraffic turns any website into a total traffic solution, making
RealTraffic affiliated sites a "must-visit" for millions of
commuters nationwide."
"Maptuit is very proud of the close relationship we've developed
with Westwood One and we look forward to reaching many more people
in 2006 with RealTraffic alerts," stated Jeff Papows, Chairman and
CEO of Maptuit Corporation.
Westwood One and Maptuit have developed the RealTraffic service by
leveraging the core strengths of both companies. Built on Westwood
One's up-to-date traffic information, along with Maptuit's
sophisticated database of the North American road network,
RealTraffic offers personalized traffic content to ease the driving
experience for commuters, travelers, and professional drivers. With
street-level directions integrated with traffic incident
information, RealTraffic also allows drivers to choose alternate
routes and avoid problem traffic thereby making the commuting
experience less painful. Together, Westwood One and Maptuit have
developed RealTraffic as a "must have" traffic service to ease the
commuting experience and aid in trip planning for the professional
driver.
By using RealTraffic, commuters who subscribe to the service are
able to set up personalized accounts where they can enter locations
such as "work" and "home", as well as define trips between them such
as "home to the gym on weekdays at 7:30AM", or "work to home,
weekdays between 5:30PM and 7PM". At the specified time intervals,
the RealTraffic service checks each trip for traffic incidents and
notifies the commuter of any traffic advisory that will impact their
trip using a SMS (Short Message Service) or e-mail alert. Using the
website, the commuter will have the ability to request an alternate
route that avoids congestion.
Founded in 1999, Maptuit is the leading provider of location
information web services for consumer and transportation markets.
Built around the industry's most sophisticated model of the North
American road network, Maptuit has developed its services to support
the transportation, tracking and traffic markets. For more
information please visit www.maptuit.com. Maptuit is a registered
trademark in the United States, and Maptuit, RealTraffic and other
names or logos identifying the services are trademarks or service
marks of Maptuit Corporation.
Westwood One (NYSE: WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music,
talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7
formats. Through its subsidiaries, Metro Networks/Shadow Broadcast
Services, Westwood One provides local content to the radio and TV
industries including news, sports, weather, traffic, video news
services and other information. SmartRoute Systems manages traffic
information centers for state and local departments of
transportation, and markets traffic and travel content to wireless,
Internet, in-vehicle navigation systems and voice portal customers.
Westwood One serves more than 5,000 radio stations. Westwood One is
managed by CBS Radio.
Press Contacts:
Peter Sessa
Westwood One
212.641.2053
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com
Carlos Bernal
Maptuit
781.685.4693
carlos.bernal@maptuit.com
-- More --
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