GateHouse Media to launch streaming audio network to cover Daytona 500

GateHouse Media will debut a week-long, 24-hour streaming audio channel for coverage of the Daytona 500 and DAYTONA Speedweeks, presented by AdventHealth, starting Feb. 9. The "pop up" streaming audio network's custom audio player will be available through the Daytona Beach News-Journal's website as well as through Alexa and Google Smart Speakers.

"Speedweek Radio" will combine historical vignettes mixed with news, weather and track updates from the Daytona International Speedway, a "Welcome to Daytona" feature from the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with live coverage from on-the-scene reporters from the newsroom's studio, located in the UNOH Fanzone.

"Adding full-time specialty audio coverage to our existing first-class reporting will provide fans with 24-hour access and updates right to their phones and smart speakers," said Rob Connelly, director of digital audio for GateHouse. "This complements our extensive coverage across print, web and video platforms."

"With the rise in popularity of streaming audio, podcasts and the usage of smart speakers, we saw an opportunity to provide round-the-clock audio coverage of this event and others like it," said Jeff Moriarty, SVP of digital for GateHouse Media.

The pop up audio network will be available beginning Feb. 9 at Noon through Sunday, Feb. 17, at 11:59 p.m. and can be found at the Daytona Beach News-Journal (www.news-journalonline.com) or www.speedweekradio.com.