Online broadcaster CRN Digital Talk Radio Network turned to its listeners to name its new branded wine. Earlier this month, Suzanne Wright won with her entry Smooth Talker, a name that reflects the business CRN is in with its syndicated talk shows. “Smooth Talker captured the wine the best and got CRN involved in it as well,” said President and CEO Michael Horn. Wright, a graphic designer from Sebastopol, receives the first case of the wine, a framed copy of the wine label and a guest spot on the “What’s Cookin’ On Wine: Oregon Report” radio program. Her entry was among hundreds the company received for the contest. It proved so popular that CRN launched a second contest to design the wine bottle label, said Jennifer Horn, vice president of sales and marketing. Smooth Talker is a Bordeaux blend which includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot created at Pyrenees Vineyards in Oregon. CRN has six online channels of programming. Many of the shows focus on food, wine and travel. CRN also syndicates shows to terrestrial radio, Time Warner Cable, and Cox Communications. Since the food and wine shows are popular with listeners there was an expectation the contests would be as well, Jennifer Horn said. “It was a fun way to get (listeners) involved and reach out to wine lovers who may not be familiar with our shows,” she added. The winner of the wine label contest is expected to be announced in early November. — Mark R. Madler
Listener Picks Smooth Name for Network Wine
