CUMULUS NEWS RELEASE
SEP 1, 1999
CUMULUS TO ACQUIRE DEVELOPER
OF DIGITAL AUDIO SOFTWARE, BROADCAST SOFTWARE INTERNATIONAL INC. SERVES
OVER 1,500 BROADCASTERS
ORLANDO, FL September 1, 1999 -- Cumulus Media Inc. (NASDAQ: CMLS),
the nation’s third largest owner and operator of radio stations (based
upon the number of stations owned or to be acquired pursuant to pending
acquisition agreements), today announced that it had agreed to acquire
Broadcast Software International (BSI), a Eugene, Oregon-based developer
of digital audio software. Milwaukee-based Cumulus made the announcement
at a press conference in Orlando held in conjunction with the National
Association of Broadcasters radio convention. Terms of the acquisition
were not disclosed.
BSI is a software development company specializing in digital audio
applications for broadcast radio and television as well as for Internet
broadcasters. More than 1500 broadcasters worldwide currently use
BSI’s core product, the WaveStation? digital studio system. WaveStation
software allows a PC to store music and advertisements and manage all aspects
of radio station audio operations, replacing record, tape and CD players,
cart machines and other analog and electro-mechanical devices.
In July, Cumulus announced it would standardize its radio station group
on BSI’s products.
“BSI is a dynamic young company with a track record of positive revenues,
cash flow and consistent growth,” said Richard Weening, Executive Chairman
of Cumulus. “As we learned more and more about them, it became clear that
their non-proprietary approach to audio management could revolutionize
broadcast station operations and automation provided they could access
the resources to supply and support more stations, Weening continued. “Cumulus
can provide those resources and in the bargain we also get a gifted development
team capable of creating new products that will help the industry and enhance
our own efficiency and profitability.”
BSI President Ron Burley said, “Our new relationship with Cumulus
will provide this company with the resources needed to implement many projects
that were previously beyond our reach. They are a great organization
and everyone at BSI is excited about joining the Cumulus team.”
BSI has championed a non-proprietary software approach that reduces
total system costs and allows customers to make their own decisions about
what PC hardware to use. The company’s automation and other digital
audio products run on any 32-bit Microsoft Windows? operating system (95,
98, NT or 2000) and are compliant with any Microsoft Windows? compatible
audio hardware.
BSI is also noted in the broadcast industry for a software pricing model
which does not rely upon recurring maintenance and support charges.
BSI will operate as a subsidiary of Cumulus with operations remaining
in their current Eugene, Oregon headquarters.
Cumulus Media is the parent company of Cumulus Broadcasting, Inc., which
along with its other subsidiaries owns and operates radio station clusters
in mid-size markets. Assuming the completion of all pending acquisitions,
Cumulus Media will own and operate 246 radio stations in 45 U.S. media
markets. The Company commenced operations May 22, 1997.
This news announcement contains certain forward-looking statements
that are based on current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties
within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Key risks are described in the Company's reports filed with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the Company's
actual performance may vary from that stated or implied herein.
Contact:
Richard Weening (414) 615-2800 or
Ron Burley, BSI (541) 338-8588
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