What was Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, and during what years did it operate?

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was a radio company that operated from 1972 until 2005. It was a significant player in the radio broadcasting industry during its existence.

Who were the founders of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was founded by Michael A. Wiener and Gerald Carrus. Both were former executives at Metromedia.

What industries did Infinity Broadcasting Corporation operate in?

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was primarily involved in radio broadcasting and also had operations in outdoor advertising.

Who was Mel Karmazin and what was his role in Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

Mel Karmazin joined Infinity Broadcasting Corporation in 1981 as its president. He later became chairman and CEO of CBS Radio after the company's merger with CBS Corporation.

Which notable radio personalities were associated with Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation became associated with popular radio personalities such as Howard Stern, Opie and Anthony, Don Imus, and Mike Francesa.

What significant legislative change impacted Infinity Broadcasting Corporation's ability to expand?

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 significantly impacted Infinity Broadcasting Corporation. This act loosened ownership restrictions for broadcast stations, enabling the company to acquire more stations rapidly.

How did Infinity Broadcasting Corporation become associated with CBS Corporation?

Westinghouse Electric Corporation, which owned CBS, acquired Infinity Broadcasting Corporation in a deal completed on December 31, 1996. Following this acquisition, Infinity was merged into the CBS Radio Group.

What was the financial scale of the acquisition of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation by Westinghouse?

The acquisition of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation by Westinghouse Electric Corporation was valued at $4.9 billion.

After the merger with Westinghouse/CBS, what was Mel Karmazin's expanded role?

Following the acquisition by Westinghouse, Mel Karmazin became president of the merged CBS Radio Group. He later took on the roles of chairman and CEO of CBS Radio and also gained control of the CBS television network.

How did the Infinity Broadcasting Corporation name re-emerge as a public entity after the Westinghouse acquisition?

After Westinghouse renamed itself CBS Corporation following the sale of its non-broadcasting assets, CBS decided to spin off a portion of its radio and outdoor advertising holdings in 1998. This re-established Infinity Broadcasting Corporation as a publicly traded company, with its stock offering being the largest in the media industry at that time.

What major corporate merger involved Infinity Broadcasting Corporation in the late 1990s and early 2000s?

In September 1999, a significant merger was announced between Viacom and CBS Corporation, led by Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone. Viacom completed the purchase of CBS Corp. in May 2000, and subsequently retained 80% ownership of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation.

What was Infinity Broadcasting Corporation's relationship with Viacom?

Viacom became the majority owner of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, holding 80% of the company after its merger with CBS Corp. in May 2000. Infinity operated as the radio division of CBS under Viacom's ownership.

What acquisitions did Infinity Broadcasting Corporation make while under Viacom's ownership?

While owned by Viacom, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation acquired 18 radio stations from Clear Channel Communications, which were divested as part of Clear Channel's merger. Additionally, Infinity purchased Giraudy SA, a French outdoor advertising company.

When did Viacom acquire full ownership of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, and what happened to Infinity Outdoor?

Viacom acquired the remaining shares of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation it did not already own in 2002, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. At that time, Infinity Outdoor was separated from the broadcasting company and renamed Viacom Outdoor.

Why did Mel Karmazin leave Infinity Broadcasting Corporation (and its parent company Viacom)?

Mel Karmazin resigned from his positions in May 2004 due to significant differences with Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone. Karmazin later stated that he found it difficult to be the 'No. 2' executive, particularly under Redstone's leadership.

What marked the end of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation as a distinct entity?

On December 14, 2005, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation reverted to the name CBS Radio. This occurred as part of a larger corporate restructuring when CBS Corporation was revived.

What happened to CBS Radio after it was sold by CBS Corporation?

CBS Radio was sold to Entercom on November 17, 2017. Entercom is the company that is presently known as Audacy, Inc.

How has the Infinity brand been maintained or repurposed after the company's name change?

The Infinity Radio name and logo were utilized for an online-only variety hits station on CBS Radio's streaming platform to preserve trademark rights. As of 2021, the infinityradio.com website redirects to audacy.com. The Infinity brand has also been repurposed by Audacy for its Infinity Sports Network and a syndication unit named Infinity Networks.

What was the significance of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 for radio companies like Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 relaxed regulations on broadcast station ownership. This allowed companies like Infinity Broadcasting Corporation to acquire a larger number of stations, leading to significant consolidation in the radio industry.

What was the fate of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation's outdoor advertising division?

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation's outdoor advertising division, Infinity Outdoor, was separated from the broadcasting company in 2002 and subsequently renamed Viacom Outdoor.

What was the initial public offering (IPO) of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation in 1998 notable for?

The 1998 stock offering that re-established Infinity Broadcasting Corporation as a public entity was the largest in the media industry at that time, raising $2.87 billion.

Which markets did Infinity Broadcasting Corporation acquire stations in during its early years?

In its early years, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation acquired stations in markets including the San Francisco Bay Area (KOME), Boston (WBCN), New York City (WNEW-FM, WKTU, WZRC, WFAN), Philadelphia (WYSP-FM), Houston (KXYZ), Chicago (WJMK, WJJD), Los Angeles (KROQ-FM), Washington, D.C. (WJFK-FM), Tampa (WQYK-AM/FM), and Dallas (KVIL-AM/FM).

What is the current status of the infinityradio.com website?

As of 2021, the infinityradio.com website resolves to audacy.com, indicating that the domain is still actively managed and preserves the trademark registration for the Infinity brand.

What was the relationship between Infinity Broadcasting Corporation and Viacom after the 2000 merger?

Following Viacom's $37 billion merger with CBS Corporation in May 2000, Viacom retained 80% ownership of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, operating it as its radio division.

When did Infinity Broadcasting Corporation cease to exist under that name?

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation ceased to exist under that name on December 14, 2005, when it reverted to being called CBS Radio.

What is Audacy, Inc.'s connection to Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

Audacy, Inc. is the current name of Entercom, the company that acquired CBS Radio (the successor to Infinity Broadcasting Corporation) on November 17, 2017. Therefore, Audacy, Inc. is the ultimate successor company to Infinity Broadcasting Corporation.

What was the final logo used by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, and during what period?

The final logo used by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was utilized from 1997 to 2005. An image of this logo is referenced in the source material.

What was the headquarters location of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was headquartered in New York City, New York, in the United States.

What specific radio stations did Infinity Broadcasting Corporation acquire in the Chicago market?

In 1983, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation acquired two radio stations in Chicago: WJMK and WJJD.

What was the fate of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation after the 2005 Viacom split?

After the Viacom split in 2005, the entity formerly known as Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was renamed CBS Radio and became part of the revived CBS Corporation.

What is the significance of the website infinityradio.com in relation to the Infinity brand?

The website infinityradio.com was used to maintain trademark rights for the Infinity Radio name and logo, hosting an online-only variety hits station. Currently, the domain redirects to audacy.com, indicating continued management of the trademark.

What was the initial motivation for Michael A. Wiener and Gerald Carrus to found Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

Michael A. Wiener and Gerald Carrus, former Metromedia executives, founded Infinity Broadcasting Corporation in 1972, beginning with the acquisition of KOME in the San Francisco Bay Area.

How did Infinity Broadcasting Corporation expand its station portfolio after becoming a public company in 1986?

After becoming publicly traded in 1986, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation rapidly expanded by purchasing six additional stations within a year. These included KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, WJFK-FM in Washington, D.C., WQYK-AM/FM in Tampa, and KVIL-AM/FM in Dallas.

What was the purpose of the Infinity Radio name and logo being used for an online station after 2005?

The Infinity Radio name and logo were maintained for an online-only variety hits station on CBS Radio's streaming platform primarily to preserve trademark rights for the Infinity brand.

What is the current status of the Infinity brand in sports broadcasting?

The Infinity brand has been repurposed by Audacy for its Infinity Sports Network, following the expiration of transitional rights to the CBS Sports branding.

What is the significance of the year 2005 in the history of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation?

The year 2005 marked the end of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation as a distinct entity. It reverted to the name CBS Radio following the split of Viacom and became part of the revived CBS Corporation.

What was the role of outdoor advertising in Infinity Broadcasting Corporation's business?

Outdoor advertising was one of the industries Infinity Broadcasting Corporation operated in, alongside radio broadcasting. The company also acquired French outdoor advertising firm Giraudy SA and its outdoor division was later renamed Viacom Outdoor.

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation Wiki: Infinity Broadcasting: Charting the Airwaves of a Media Giant

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Overview

A Broadcasting Powerhouse

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was a prominent radio company that operated from 1972 until its transformation in 2005. It played a significant role in the radio broadcasting and outdoor advertising industries, known for its strategic acquisitions and association with influential radio personalities.

Corporate Structure

Initially founded as an independent entity, Infinity Broadcasting underwent several significant corporate changes. It became a subsidiary of CBS Corporation in 1997, later integrated into Viacom in 2000, and ultimately rebranded as CBS Radio in 2005, marking the end of the Infinity Broadcasting name.

Industry Presence

The company's primary focus was radio broadcasting, but it also held interests in outdoor advertising. Its strategic expansion, particularly following the Telecommunications Act of 1996, allowed it to amass a substantial portfolio of stations across major US markets.

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Early Growth

Infinity Broadcasting Corporation was established in 1972 by Michael A. Wiener and Gerald Carrus, former executives from Metromedia. Its initial acquisition was KOME, an FM radio station serving the San Francisco Bay Area, licensed by the FCC in 1973. The company continued its expansion, acquiring stations like WBCN in Boston in 1979.

Expansion Under Karmazin

Mel Karmazin joined Infinity in 1981, eventually becoming president. Under his leadership, the company acquired key stations in major markets, including New York (WNEW-FM, WKTU, WFAN) and Philadelphia (WYSP-FM). Infinity became a publicly traded company in 1986, further fueling its acquisition strategy, adding stations in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Tampa, and Dallas within a year.

Public and Private Ventures

Karmazin and other executives took the company private in 1988, only to take it public again in 1992. By 1993, Infinity operated 22 radio stations. The loosening of ownership restrictions by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 enabled rapid expansion, increasing its station count to 75.

Key Figures

Mel Karmazin

Mel Karmazin was a central figure in Infinity Broadcasting's rise. Joining in 1981, he led the company through significant growth, including taking it public and overseeing numerous acquisitions. His leadership extended beyond radio, eventually influencing the broader CBS network. His tenure concluded with his departure in 2004 due to strategic differences.

Founders and Executives

Infinity was founded by Michael A. Wiener and Gerald Carrus, leveraging their experience from Metromedia. Key executives like Mel Karmazin were instrumental in shaping the company's strategic direction and operational success throughout its history.

Corporate Evolution

Merger with Westinghouse/CBS

In 1996, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, the owner of CBS, acquired Infinity Broadcasting for $4.9 billion. Karmazin became president of the merged CBS Radio Group. Following Westinghouse's renaming to CBS Corporation, a portion of its radio and outdoor assets were spun off in 1998, re-establishing Infinity Broadcasting Corporation as a public entity.

Integration with Viacom

A pivotal moment occurred in September 1999 when Viacom proposed a $37 billion merger with CBS Corporation. This merger was completed in May 2000, with Viacom acquiring 80% ownership of Infinity. During this period, Infinity expanded its portfolio further, acquiring stations from Clear Channel Communications and Giraudy SA.

Rebranding and Final Chapter

By 2002, Viacom acquired the remaining shares of Infinity, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. After Mel Karmazin's departure in 2004, the company underwent its final transformation. On December 14, 2005, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation officially reverted to the name CBS Radio, integrating into the revived CBS Corporation structure.

Enduring Legacy

From Infinity to Audacy

The entity known as CBS Radio continued its operations until November 17, 2017, when it was sold to Entercom, which subsequently rebranded as Audacy, Inc. The original website, infinityradio.com, now redirects to Audacy's platform, preserving the digital footprint of the former broadcasting giant.

Brand Repurposing

The "Infinity" brand name has seen subsequent repurposing. Audacy launched the "Infinity Sports Network" and "Infinity Networks," leveraging the established brand recognition for new ventures in sports and syndication, demonstrating the lasting impact of the original corporation.

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References

Barry, David, "Jim Hard: He Played a Part in How the West Was Won--By FM Radio," Business Journal-San Jose, April 2, 1990, p. 12.

Kamen, Robin, "To Infinity and Beyond: Mel Takes on CBS," Crain's New York Business, November 24, 1997, p. 1.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Infinity Broadcasting Corporation Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not financial or investment advice. The information provided on this website pertains to the historical corporate structure and operations of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation and its successors. It is not intended as a substitute for professional financial consultation, legal advice, or investment guidance. Always consult with qualified professionals for any financial or business decisions.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Infinity Broadcasting

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Overview ℹ️

🎙️ A Broadcasting Powerhouse

🏢 Corporate Structure

🌐 Industry Presence

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🚀 Formation and Early Growth

📈 Expansion Under Karmazin

🏛️ Public and Private Ventures

Key Figures 👤

⭐ Mel Karmazin

🤝 Founders and Executives

Corporate Evolution 🔄

🔗 Merger with Westinghouse/CBS

🤝 Integration with Viacom

➡️ Rebranding and Final Chapter

Enduring Legacy 💡

📻 From Infinity to Audacy

🔊 Brand Repurposing

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Broadcasting Powerhouse

Corporate Structure

Industry Presence

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Early Growth

Expansion Under Karmazin

Public and Private Ventures

Key Figures

Mel Karmazin

Founders and Executives

Corporate Evolution

Merger with Westinghouse/CBS

Integration with Viacom

Rebranding and Final Chapter

Enduring Legacy

From Infinity to Audacy

Brand Repurposing

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice