The Washington Times announced Thursday that it is moving aggressively into the burgeoning marketplace of on-demand radio, forming a partnership with the Kaliki Audio Newstand, the first major player to bring streaming news talk radio into Americans’ cars.
Beginning in early March, The Times will broadcast daily and weekly shows into millions of cars rolling off assembly lines at major automakers including Ford and General Motors. Listeners also will be able to hear Times’ radio shows on their iPhones, iPads and Android cellphones and tablets via the Kaliki app.
“The Kaliki radio platform has the possibility to do for news talk radio what the DVR did for television: free listeners from inflexible program schedules and empower them to seamlessly listen on their car radios and mobile devices to the shows they like, when they want and where they want,” said Larry Beasley, president and chief executive officer of The Times.
“We believe we have the news and insights that Americans want, delivered by experienced radio personalities who are as entertaining as they are expert on the news of the day. Kaliki is an exciting new platform for our fans to engage and stay in touch with us all day long,” Mr. Beasley said.
Kaliki, created by California-based BT Software, scored a coup last year when it persuaded major automakers to create a band on radios where on-demand shows could be streamed via broadband Internet connections. Owners of cars equipped with these infotainment systems can hear their shows either through subscription Wi-Fi connections installed in the automobiles or by simply plugging their mobile devices into the radio.
GM and Ford recently showcased the technology at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Delivering podcasts and on-demand shows directly to vehicles — where the majority of daily radio listening occurs — will expand talk radio beyond its terrestrial roots and could transform the medium, Kaliki officials said.
“We’ve liberated listeners to get their favorite news and talk shows in the place where they’re most used to listening — the car — and we’re excited that The Times is joining our powerful lineup of news talk products,” said Bruce Hopkins, Kaliki’s vice president.
The Washington Times Radio Network offerings will be found in the news portion of Kaliki’s programming, alongside similar products from CBS News Radio and National Public Radio.
Times Editor John Solomon said the radio lineup will launch in early March with five daily shows and several weekly shows, anchored by the midday program “Live from The Washington Times” starring Andy Parks.
Other daily shows will include:
• ‘The Ernest Istook Show,” featuring the former congressman from Oklahoma and longtime news talk radio talent.
• “The Armstrong Williams Show,” featuring the Washington Times columnist, TV show host and XM radio personality.
• “The Common Sense Conservative,” featuring the rising conservative radio and TV commentator Steve Deace, broadcasting from Iowa.
• The Tea Party News Network’s “Capitol Hill Show,” featuring former Rep. Tim Constantine of Florida, a favorite among tea party activists.
In addition, The Times announced its first weekly show, Emily Miller’s “Shooting Straight.” The show will cover the latest policy debates in Washington, led by The Times’ award-winning columnist whose chronicle of becoming a gun owner led to the best-selling book “Emily Gets Her Gun.”
More weekly radio shows will be announced in the next few weeks, Mr. Solomon said.
“We’ve assembled an all-star cast of news and opinion experts who can tickle the ear with their delivery while also educating the public on the pressing issues of the day like cybersecurity, terrorism, the Second Amendment and taxes and spending,” Mr. Solomon said. “We believe this new radio platform will greatly expand our reach while giving listeners the satisfaction of taking control of their listening experience in ways that weren’t possible a few years ago.”
Listeners can download the Kaliki app on their mobile phones and tablets by going to the Apple and Google stores, or by visiting washingtontimes.com/radio starting March 3.
