The latest from the radio broadcast content provider is a deal to represent the services of VirtualNewsCenter, a remote producer of local newsbreaks on a barter basis. VirtualNewsCenter says the agreement makes it “the first outsourced radio news provider to offer its service on a barter basis to stations in Arbitron-rated markets.” It continues to serve smaller markets as well.

VirtualNewsCenter, based in Wichita, Kan., calls itself “America’s local newsroom.” It began five years as CustomRadioNews, launched by entrepreneurs Scott Roberts and Ryan Martin. It uses a dozen or so anchors who remotely produce customized content for about 70 affiliates. Stations can sign up to have the remote news team check web sites, make beat calls, interview newsmakers and write up interesting police stories.

The company says it works with stations to develop local sources so news is fresh and, yes, local. It is blunt about the business benefits: “With VirtualNewsCenter, stations no longer need to pay for full-time newsroom employees, which saves stations money on benefits, taxes, training and idle time,” it states on its website.

Get more info at http://www.virtualnewscenter.com/

advertising, barter, radio