American General Media Unifies its 28 Radio Stations

by Sarah Smithies | Mar 11, 2011 | SDS News

Toronto, Ontario – March 14, 2011 – With 28 radio stations in six U.S. markets, leading broadcaster American General Media (AGM) was looking for a way to unify its operations across the miles, increase efficiency and avoid duplication.  The Bakersfield, California-based company found what it was looking for in an innovative, unified broadcast management system provided by Specialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc. of Toronto. 

American General Media has announced that it has installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, at each of its 21 FM and seven AM radio stations.  The stations – located in Bakersfield, Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo, California, Albuquerque and Farmington, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado – are now equipped with advanced software that integrates each of the stations’ information, across all departments, in real time. 

“We couldn’t be more pleased with our decision to convert to the SDS Symphony system,” said Margaret Nuanez, Chief Financial Officer of American General Media, whose company previously had separate databases for each of its six markets. “Our goal was greater efficiency at both a market and corporate level, and SDS was able to meet our objectives and successfully customize the system according to our particular needs.” 

“Now, since all processes are done automatically without the need to manually import and export data, our group is realizing valuable time savings while increasing data accuracy and streamlining our operations,” Nuanez said, adding that she appreciates the professionalism displayed by the SDS team in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system. “While there is always some discomfort associated with conversion to any new software, the exceptional team at SDS worked tirelessly to minimize any uneasiness felt by our group – from training all the way through to our first log assembly, the process was carefully thought out and executed as planned, and the results were as expected.” 

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments – from sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification. Users access information online in real time and data is filtered and formatted to meet specific needs. The system eases programming of airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos, enforcing credit rules, and producing sales and commission reports.

“Whether a company has one station or multiple outlets, SDS Symphony consolidates and centralizes data so that information is always up-to-date and accessible,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, adding that the technology also has the ability to adapt as broadcasters grow and the market evolves. “The system’s two-way flow of data allows for faster implementation, and reduces redundancies and costs, giving broadcasters better clarity and control of all aspects of their business while maximizing efficiency and profits.” 

Founded in 1983, AGM is a leading owner and operator of radio stations in Southwestern U.S., bringing together the communities it serves through the broadcast of innovative programming, news and entertainment. With the goal of meeting the specific needs of the local markets it serves, AGM provides a diverse range of format choices, including contemporary, modern, adult hits, rock, news and talk, sports, country, oldies and religious stations.  

SDS, established in 1993, is a leading North American provider of broadcast management software, specializing in the development of a proven, unified approach to broadcast sales, traffic, programming, operations and accounting. A mid-sized company with more than 250 television and radio station clients representing a billion dollars in advertising revenues, SDS is independent of broadcaster ownership and remains an agile and customer-focused company.

For more information, visit www.sds.ca . Media information, or to set up interviews:  

Gail Bergman or Samantha Giovenazzo

Gail Bergman PR

Tel: (905) 886-1340 or (905) 886-3345

Email: info@gailbergmanpr.com

Pamal Broadcasting Chooses SDS

by Sarah Smithies | Mar 25, 2010 | SDS News

Toronto, Ontario – March 25, 2010 – One-stop access to all the data at each of its radio stations was what leading U.S. broadcaster Pamal Broadcasting, Ltd. was looking for to increase the efficiency of its operations. The Albany, New York-based company found the solution in an innovative, unified broadcast management system provided bySpecialty Data Systems (SDS) Inc. of Toronto. 

Pamal has announced that it has installed SDS’s flagship broadcast management software, SDS Symphony, at all 33 of its radio stations, based in New York, Vermont and Florida. The software integrates all of the stations’ information, across all departments, in real time. 

“The SDS system completely eliminates the information silos that are so prevalent in radio,” said Michael Dufort, Assistant Secretary Treasurer of Pamal Broadcasting, explaining that the company previously had separate databases for each of its stations and, later, each market it services. “Now, with SDS, all our stations are in a common database which enables simple and efficient enterprise reporting, rapid process improvement and streamlined administration, which will play a vital role in the growth and development of our company.” 

“Often times, when dealing with large software vendors, it can feel like you’re wrestling with a big, hairy gorilla,” Dufort explained. “SDS is a long-time, privately-owned company that very much resembles our own, so cultural fit played a large role in our partnering decision.” 

SDS Symphony provides broadcasters with the ability to instantaneously share information between stations and across departments – from sales, traffic and programming to operations and accounting – eliminating the need for data re-entry and cross-verification. Users access information online in real time and data is filtered and formatted to meet specific needs. The system eases programming of airtime, booking orders, scheduling promos, enforcing credit rules, and producing sales and commission reports.

“SDS Symphony consolidates and centralizes data so that information is always up-to-date and broadcasters have better clarity and control of all aspects of their business,” said Dave Cole, President of SDS, explaining that the result is a more efficient and streamlined operation. “The technology’s two-way flow of data allows for faster implementation, and reduces redundancies and costs, enabling the system to grow and adapt as broadcasters grow and the market evolves.” 

Listed as one of the top 30 broadcasting companies in America, Pamal Broadcasting owns a portfolio of radio stations primarily in medium-sized markets in upstate eastern New York, central Vermont, the Florida Panhandle and central Florida, including the company’s flagship station, WFLY-FM in Albany. Using state-of-the-art digital broadcasting equipment to maximize signal strengths and quality of each station’s sound, Pamal offers diverse, heritage programming in each of the six markets it serves, from Hit Radio to Country to Adult Album Alternative (AAA) and Urban Contemporary.  

Established in 1993, SDS is a leading North American provider of broadcast management software, specializing in the development of a proven, unified approach to broadcast sales, traffic, programming, operations and accounting. A mid-sized company with more than 150 television and radio station clients representing a billion dollars in advertising revenues, SDS is independent of broadcaster ownership and remains an agile and customer-focused company. For more information, visit www.sds.ca – 30 – Media information, or to set up interviews:  Gail Bergman Gail Bergman PR Tel: (905) 886-1340 Email: gbergman@gailbergmanpr.com