A new association is forming to represent independent radio broadcasters, with the founder arguing their interests are not being served by existing associations covering the industry.

The Independent Broadcasters Association will be a 501(c)(6) organization representing radio stations not owned by large companies. The effort is spearheaded by Ron Stone, CEO of the Adams Radio Group, a Minnesota-based company that owns a handful of stations in five states.

In a statement to Radio Ink, Stone said the new association will launch in coming weeks with commitments from more than 2,600 stations.

"They've not really had a voice," he said. "In some ways this can level the playing field. In the future they will have choices."

In a statement on the group's website, Stone the association will allow members to combine their resources to get better group benefits for employees and provide revenue generation possibilities by creating a new national sales team to sell ads across various stations and platforms. He also told Radio Ink the groups is exploring the possibility of hosting conferences.

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