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About
Metro Networks was a prominent broadcasting outsourcing company that provided traffic and news reporting services to radio and television stations across the United States. Founded in 1978 and based in Houston, Texas, the company operated as a subsidiary of Westwood One for many years, focusing on delivering localized content including real-time traffic updates, weather reports, and news segments through its extensive network of affiliates. At its peak, Metro Networks supported approximately 2,300 radio affiliates and 170 television affiliates operating in nearly every major market in the United States, as well as over 700 websites, enabling it to deliver timely information to millions of listeners and viewers. The company worked in tandem with its sister company, Shadow Broadcast Services, to manage operations catering to both local and regional needs. In 2011, Metro Networks was acquired by Clear Channel Communications (now known as iHeartMedia) from Westwood One, marking a significant consolidation in the broadcasting industry. The company's model emphasized efficiency and scalability, providing customized reports that integrated seamlessly into affiliate broadcasts, thereby influencing how traffic and news were disseminated nationwide.