Skylark (radio station)

Skylark was a planned satellite-delivered music format for terrestrial radio stations in the United States. It was developed and promoted by ABC Radio Networks in the early 1980s. The concept was to provide stations with a high-quality, pre-programmed music service delivered via satellite, eliminating the need for local DJs and music selection.

The target audience for Skylark was adults, and the format emphasized a blend of adult contemporary and soft rock music. A key selling point was the promise of consistent sound quality and minimal signal interruptions, thanks to the satellite delivery system. This was particularly attractive to stations in smaller markets or those with limited resources for local programming.

Although ABC Radio Networks invested significantly in developing and marketing Skylark, it ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption. Several factors contributed to its demise. Local radio stations were often hesitant to relinquish control over their programming and feared losing listener loyalty by eliminating local personalities. Additionally, the initial cost of the satellite receiving equipment was a barrier for many stations. Furthermore, the pre-programmed nature of the format limited its ability to respond to local events or audience preferences.

Despite its short lifespan, Skylark is notable as an early example of satellite-delivered radio formats. It paved the way for other, more successful services that would later emerge in the radio industry. The concept of providing standardized, nationally-distributed programming via satellite became a common practice, although often with more flexibility and localization options than Skylark offered.