Emmis International

Emmis International: Slovakia

In 2005 Emmis International acquired Rádio Expres, a national network in Slovakia, one of the world's fastest growing economies. Slovakia joined the European Union in 2004 and leads all new EU entrants in the level of foreign direct investment per capita. Rádio Expres is the top-rated commercial station in Slovakia, featuring a format of popular music, news, and entertainment. Its web page is the most visited of all the Slovakian radio stations. Rádio Expres broadcasts from Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and is heard throughout the country.

Shortly after Emmis' acquisition, Rádio Expres became the first station in the history of Slovak radio to beat the historically dominant public station, Rádio Slovensko. Rádio Expres continues to dominate and increase its market share. Rádio Expres began broadcasting in 2000, and within two years was the #1 station in the country -- a position it maintains today. Rádio Expres' formula for success includes a dynamic music format, a unique traffic service, outstanding marketing with an emphasis on a regional sales team, and promotions which have excited and engaged the whole country.

During one promotion for Orange, during which free laptops and Internet service were offered as prizes, Rádio Expres was among the five most visited websites in the country. Another contest sponsored with one of the country's major banks called "One Million Banknotes" was so successful it actually caused a shortage of 20 Sk banknotes. Rádio Expres also won an award for the Best Produced Promo of the Year, 2007 during European Radio Awards for their promotion "Car on the Crane" where a car hung from a crane and listeners voted for it to fall or to win the car as a prize.

With a strong local management team in place, dominant market position, a vibrant economy and Emmis' expansion in the region to enhance operational efficiencies and expertise, Rádio Expres will continue to grow and succeed.