So, in radio terms, what's the difference between 'networking' and 'syndication'?

While it may appear that these two terms are fundamentally the same, they are in fact quite different with some key distinctions.

A 'Network Programme' is where a station shares it's own content between sites.

This usually happens when stations are owned by the same parent company and operate under a single brand. In the UK, Capital FM is a good example of a brand that is networked across a number of areas.

In the US, iHeart Media also use a similar networking model for their Kiss FM brand.

Networking has become commonplace within radio as it helps owners achieve quality output but with less spend.

Meanwhile 'Syndicated Content' is slightly different.

This is usually where a third-party company produces a show and makes it available to stations in exchange for either a cash consideration or on a barter arrangement.

The key difference is that this syndicated content is not 'tied to' (or affiliated with) any particular operator; therefore syndicated content can be aired by multiple owners or operators.

As a result, syndication is a great way for any station owner to reduce costs yet maintain quality and compete on a more level playing field.

Blue Revolution syndicates various radio shows and works with numerous radio owners and operators.

These partner stations trust us to deliver award-winning content that's hosted by our roster of top talent and backed up by our world-class production team, at a fraction of the cost of hiring that same talent locally.

So while there are similarities in terms of cost-savings, networking and syndication are indeed two different things.