Metro Networks Partners with Code Amber to Increase 'Amber Alert' Exposure

Metro Networks Partners with Code Amber to Increase 'Amber Alert' Exposure

NEW YORK, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Metro Networks, a Westwood One (NYSE:WON) company and the nation's leading provider of traffic and news content, together with Code Amber (http://www.codeamber.org/), the largest broadcaster of Amber Alerts on the Internet, announced today that they will begin exchanging real time information from law enforcement and local bureaus in an effort to increase distribution effectiveness during Amber Alert events.

In most cases, Code Amber receives an Amber Alert directly from the issuing law enforcement agency. In some cases however, the information is released via EAS (emergency alert system) to first responder radio stations. In many of these cases the information is provided to Metro Networks on a first responder basis. With this new partnership Metro Networks will now monitor Code Amber's XML feed and Code Amber will monitor the Metro Networks' Metro Source news wire so that precious time is not compromised.

"This arrangement will ensure that Metro Source is in a position to consistently provide virtually all Amber Alerts to our affiliates in more than eighty markets nationwide," said Bill Yeager, Metro Networks Senior Vice President for News. "Westwood One and Metro Networks consider the accurate and timely relay of this information to be of the utmost importance to the public we serve."

"With all states utilizing different media notification systems, Metro Networks' participation in our process closes another big gap in the Amber Alert system," said Bryant Harper, Founder and President of Code Amber. "Citizens hearing the Amber Alert on their car radios have proven to be one of the most significant successes in recovering abducted children."

The Amber Alert system originated in Texas in 1997 after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted and murdered. It is a voluntary partnership between media and law enforcement, which allows local broadcasters to interrupt programming to release descriptions and vehicle information pertaining to the abduction. Since then, the Amber Alert system has led to the recovery of over 240 children nationwide.

About Code Amber

Based in Mandeville, LA, Code Amber LLC is the largest broadcaster of Amber Alerts on the Internet. With its Java script ticker, desktop ticker, and XML feed, Code Amber reaches millions of users. Code Amber is utilized by all major network broadcasters including on-air and Internet sites.

About Metro Networks

Metro Networks, a Westwood One company, provides news, traffic, sports, weather, and other information to thousands of affiliates in more than eighty cities in the United States. Metro Source, a satellite and Internet delivered wire service, is used by more than 1,700 radio stations and networks. Westwood One (NYSE:WON) provides over 150 news, sports, music, talk, entertainment programs, features, live events and 24/7 Formats. Westwood One serves more than 7,700 radio stations. Westwood One is managed by Infinity Broadcasting Corporation.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Linda Spagnoli http://www.profnet.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=479275 Bryant Harper http://www.profnet.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=479459


Source: Code Amber LLC

CONTACT: Linda Spagnoli of Code Amber, +1-772-971-4816,
ljs@codeamber.org; or Peter Sessa of Westwood One, +1-212-641-2053,
peter_sessa@westwoodone.com

Web site: http://www.codeamber.org/


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