Satellite Music Network
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Satellite Music Network was the first satellite delivered network to provide complete live 24-hour a day music programing to local stations, under several different formats. Affiliate stations, mostly in small and medium markets, could operate their stations virtually unmanned with nothing more than a computer and a satellite hookup offering major market talent that they could never afford. The "clock" included options for a 2-, 3-, or 5-minute newscasts at the top of the hour, followed by other holes for local spots. While the programming was live, DJ's had to avoid references to the weather or anything else that would not be appropriate in many time zones. An 800-line was eventually added, allowing the live DJ's to take phoned in requests. They began in 1981 in Mokena, IL in a strip mall with two formats: AC - signed on by Bob Leonard, and Country - signed on by Gary Semro. By the late 1980s, SMN was broadcasting to more than 600 stations nationwide and in the Caribbean. In late 1989, SMN merged into ABC Radio and moved operations to Dallas.
Bonneville Broadcasting also signed on with an easy listening format simultaneously to SMN - signed on by Tim Kolody from the same studios in August of 1981. Bonneville pulled out of SMN in June of 1984.
Among the amazing talent that was employed at SMN was Chicago radio legend Eddie Hubbard on the Stardust format, Dean Richards who can be heard on WGN-AM and WGN-TV in Chicago, Karen Williams of WNUA, and John Calhoun, who continues to broadcast in the Chicago market.
[edit] Former Satellite Music Network networks
- Hits & Favorites (formerly "StarStation")
- The Classic Rock Experience
- Today's Best Country (formerly "Country Coast To Coast")
- Real Country
- Oldies Radio (formerly "Pure Gold")
- Timeless Favorites (formerly "Stardust" and "Timeless Classics")
- The Touch
[edit] Later added by ABC
- Jack FM
- Unforgettable Favorites (merged with "Stardust"/"Timeless Classics" to create the current "Timeless Favorites" format)
- Rejoice - Musical Soul Food (black gospel music; now owned by Urban Choice Media)
- Scott Shannon's True Oldies Channel
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