Ustream is betting on Adam Carolla to be the live-video streaming service's first pay-per-view partnership. Lucky for them there's another act coming out of Los Angeles radio that is already proving there's a viable subscription business to be had online.

If you aren't an Angeleno, you've probably never heard of Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer, veterans of the city's radio scene with over a decade of experience on stations including KLSX and KABC (NYSE: DIS). When their KABC gig ended last September, they parted ways with a third on-air personality and decided to make a go of it together online-only.

Now there's plenty of big-name radio stars who have exploited their promotional platform in terrestrial radio to extend onto the internet, including Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh. But it's a different challenge to survive online alone, which other more prominent radio personalities like Carolla and now Bubba the Love Sponge, who recently exited Sirius XM (NSDQ: SIRI), are discovering.

But The Heidi and Frank Show is making it happen with a pretty unique business model that could be of interest to a traditional radio business rapidly shrinking due to the industry's nationwide consolidation. Since launching in October, they've attracted well over 6,000 subscribers who are paying anywhere from $5 per month to $50 a year for access to a trove of audio and video programming, including two hours every weekday morning. There's limited access to a layer of free content intended to get unacquainted viewers sampling and, if this freemium model holds up, signing up for added benefits like ad-free podcasts.

"We're trying to be the first to achieve how we deliver what we do for free in a way that people will pay for it," said Kramer.

As Hamilton and Kramer tell it, making the jump online was hardly a leap of faith; they needed a new gig and they noticed that declines in their KABC audience were being offset by growth in the station's offerings of their on-air act on its website. They partnered with Nox Solutions, which is best known for building robust web environments for mostly right-wing political figures from Bill O'Reilly to Dennis Miller.

"Normally what we've done in the past is look to partner with nationally syndicated talent," said Rand Bleimeister, COO of Nox. "The chances of success will be greater. But they've gotten more subscribers than some nationally syndicated talent."

While a diehard fan base built up over the years in Los Angeles followed them to the internet, HeidiandFrank.com is seeing evidence of a new audience from outside the city limits and even internationally. Aggressively courting fans via social media is one way they've made that happen. But if anything, Hamilton believes it may have been the deprivation of adequate promotion during all their years in terrestrial radio, where they were typically overshadowed by bigger names on their station's lineups including Tom Leykis, that prepared them for the transition.

"We did very well because we've always relied on word of mouth," she said. "We never had billboard campaigns or TV commercials."

While their subscription base grows, Nox is working on ramping up Heidi and Frank merchandise and increasing their advertising revenue; though they don't have to keep FCC-friendly, they do so to be viable for marketers and just in case their old friends in terrestrial radio need a low-cost option to fill a daypart or two. That said, with a style just as risque as Howard Stern, they do have an uncensored outlet in a weekly "After Hours" show as well.

As the radio business continues shrinking, it's going to be interesting to see what business models take root online. What The Heidi And Frank Show is proving is it doesn't take a Stern-sized phenomenon to break from the mainstream radio business and start streaming themselves.

Formerly top-rated LA radio stars Heidi and Frank have taken their show to the world via the Internet. How's that working for them? Quite well, thank you.

Take a look at these statistics:

After Hours, the weekly audio podcast starring them, was named to the "Rewind 2010: Best Podcasts" year-end showcase of the iTunes Store's best podcasts of 2010.

Last November, Heidi and Frank became the #1 paid subscriber-supported Internet TV show in America. With more than 6,500 paid subscribers viewing the show online a total of 200,000 hours over its first eight weeks, they are pioneering the paid content industry.

Furthermore, the site has attracted 650,000 unique visitors and generated over 6.2 million page views following its launch on October 4, 2010.

So why did they do it - and how? Why doesn't every great entertainment show do this? Isn't a great show potentially great across all platforms, not just radio? How does it change a show to be on-demand, online, on video, and on audio all at once? How can this all be monetized?

Those are just some of the questions I had for Heidi and Frank in this conversation.

Listen in:



(You can subscribe to all the MRM video and audio via iTunes and get the goodies before everybody else. You can also get advance notice of this content if you "like" MRM on Facebook or follow me on Twitter).

What Heidi and Frank really get - and this is important - is that just as there's no such thing as only radio in a digital media world, there's no such thing as an only radio entertainment show. They are not just repurposing content across media, they are reimagining it. The headphones can and will vanish in front of the cameras; ditto for the sound board - because TV is not radio. This is incredibly challenging but incredibly freeing to top-notch talent. And it will invariably lead these brands to snowball in popularity.

It's my belief that the passion inspired by great radio talent is critical to radio's future and to the future of that talent across all platforms. It means wearing more hats and doing more work, but it changes the experience of your show dramatically and broadens your opportunity for success.

One day Heidi and Frank will be back on the radio (because radio needs talent like a morning needs sunshine). And when they do, they will STILL have their thriving digital empire.

What about your show?

Los Angeles, CA - December 13, 2010 - After Hours, the weekly audio podcast starring Los Angeles radio and online media personalities Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer, was just named to the "Rewind 2010: Best Podcasts" year-end showcase of the iTunes Store's best podcasts of 2010. Hamilton and Kramer, formerly top-rated Los Angeles radio personalities on KLSX and KABC, walked away from successful radio careers just two months ago to go Internet-only, are realizing massive success in the podcast and subscription content arenas alike.

After Hours is a free full-length audio podcast posted every Friday on iTunes that highlights the best after-the-show moments of The Heidi and Frank Show daily web TV series. Unharnessed from traditional media limitations, Heidi and Frank can do practically anything on their show. As a "lifestyle talk" program, they joke about everything, from weird stories in the news, to sex acts and dating techniques. There's an authenticity to who they are and how they interact that you just can't simulate.

"We feel so validated that our particular brand of lifestyle entertainment is appealing to listeners on iTunes and across the Internet," Hamilton declared. "That was one of the biggest surprises for us-that we could grow a fan base this quickly beyond the Left Coast-without a mainstream media outlet backing us up," added Kramer.

Being recognized as one of best podcasts of 2010 comes on the heels of another breakthrough success in November-Heidi and Frank became the #1 paid subscriber-supported Internet TV show in America. With more than 6,500 paid subscribers viewing the show online a total of 200,000 hours over its first eight weeks, they are pioneering the paid content industry. Furthermore, the site has attracted 650,000 unique visitors and generated over 6.2 million page views, following its launch, October 4, 2010. But perhaps the most significant statistic is the average amount of time visitors spend on site: 1 hour and 40 minutes per visit. This is because each day, thousands visit the site and listen to the "Heidi and Frank Show," to hear and watch it "live."

Heidi and Frank are successful because they focus on the "fan experience" -- they work directly for their subscribers. The best way to serve their existing fans and attract more subscribers is to provide them with the very best web experience possible - one that includes free and premium content and one that provides "live" and "on-demand" content experiences PLUS original video content just for their VIP subscribers. Taken together, the "Heidi and Frank Experience" enables everyone to enjoy the show.

After leaving KABC in October, the leading talk radio station in Los Angeles, Heidi and Frank launched www.heidiandfrank.com as the home of their Internet TV network with two original internet-only shows:

• "The Heidi and Frank Show," streamed LIVE daily at 10am-noon PST.
• "After Hours," streamed LIVE Fridays 1-2pm PST.

Every "Heidi and Frank Show" and "After Hours" is offered as a "live" audio stream, free to all visitors to heidiandfrank.com. Additionally, VIP Members can access a "live" HD video stream of each show. VIP Members can select and switch between any of the four HD cameras to view each broadcast, and chat "live" with other members.

VIP Subscription rates are as follows:

• $4.95 monthly subscription
• $14.85 three month gift subscription
• $27.50 six month subscription
• $49.95 annual subscription

Heidi and Frank's shows are powered by Nox Solutions, the website management solution preferred by top-rated talent like Bill O'Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Dennis Miller, Lou Dobbs and many more.

For more information, please visit http://www.HeidiandFrank.com.

Engage with The Heidi and Frank Show on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heidi-Frank-Show/147778711929274

https://twitter.com/heidiandfrank

http://www.youtube.com/user/fhfvideo

About Heidi Hamilton
Heidi Hamilton of the Heidi & Frank Show is the girl next door who is also one of the guys. She can dress up and look like a lady on Saturday night, but when you call her on Sunday morning, she'll help you move a couch, too.

About Frank Kramer
Frank Kramer has developed into one of radio's most outspoken, quick-witted, and funny talk show hosts. He has topped the airwaves, dominating the AM/FM and Podcast markets for nearly two decades.

About Nox Solutions
Nox Solutions (www.noxsolutions.com) builds and operates e-businesses for media personalities, broadcasters and content syndicators. Clients include Bill O'Reilly, Dennis Miller, Heidi and Frank, Laura Ingraham, Lou Dobbs, Westwood One, Loveline and many more.

Los Angeles, CA -- November 29, 2010 

HeidiandFrank.com, the #1 paid subscriber-supported Internet TV show in America, is partnering with MotorcycleCenter.com this December.   MotorcycleCenter.com is sponsoring the Heidi and Frank Show throughout the month, running commercials during the show's daily stream and podcast, a banner ad at heidiandfrank.com and promoting a special Motorcycle jacket worn by Frank Kramer each day on-air.    

The Heidi and Frank Show at www.heidiandfrank.com has emerged as the leading paid subscription site in the internet TV world, among shows that are only available online.  

“I love riding my bikes, and we are thrilled to have MotorcycleCenter.com as one of our sponsors.   This is a leading ecommerce site for motorcycle accessories, and it is nice to be working with them," said Frank Kramer, co-host of the Heidi and Frank Show.

"When we saw the unique marketing opportunities available to us by working with the Heidi and Frank Show, we made a commercial and signed right up," said Richard Hayworth, Marketing Director of MotorcycleCenter.com. "Heidi and Frank's audience is exactly on point with who our customers are, and we expect that by working together we can create a lot of interest in our huge selection of motorcycle gear."

MotorcycleCenter.com is one of largest online retailer of motorcycle parts and motorcycle apparel in the US.    The company boasts a selection of over 100,000 products, and offers a 110% price guarantee.    All the leading brands and gear are available at MotorcycleCenter.com. Top brands like Cobra Exhausts, Aria Helmets, Xelement Jackets, First Gear, and Dunlop Tires all at the lowest prices found online.

The Heidi and Frank Show is co-hosted by Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer.   The show is broadcast "live" every day from 10am-noon PST, from their website at www.heidiandfrank.com.    Combining free content and paid members-only content, the site is operated by Nox Solutions, the leader in internet radio and TV subscription management solutions.

About Nox Solutions

Nox Solutions (www.NoxSolutions.com) is a leading e-commerce solutions management firm that is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA.  Nox Solutions specialized service offerings include website design, creation, maintenance, streaming, hosting, marketing, promotions, customer service and product fulfillment. Nox delivers customized e-commerce solutions through a propriety enterprise level platform and infrastructure. Nox Solutions has designed and launched the new site and will continue managing HeidiandFrank.com, providing hosting, streaming media, technical support, inventory management and customer service.

Los Angeles, CA--October 28, 2010 -- After a 10-year stint on terrestrial radio (9/25/00 - 10/1/10) Los Angeles broadcast personalities Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer are finally doing it their way.

They built a state-of-the-art studio in Frank’s back yard and on October 4, 2010 producer Erik Scott Smith helped the dynamic duo launch The Heidi and Frank Show, their own daily broadcast and live streaming video webcast, which airs live from 10 a.m. to Noon PT. The edgier “After Hours” show airs immediately following their two-hour show on Fridays.

So far, they’re not regretting their move to go internet-only.

Hamilton and Kramer are realizing immediate success in bringing their listeners over to Internet radio, where more than 60 million Americans are listening weekly, according to a recent survey by Bridge Ratings. “Satellite radio was the seismic shift. It changed how people thought about receiving their audio entertainment,” explains Kramer. “As podcasting matured, it wasn’t a hard sell convincing listeners that it’s simply ‘radio-on-demand’ when the sound quality and accessibility are the same,” he adds.

HeidiandFrank.com offers fans exclusive videos, commercial-free on-demand broadcasts, and much more. Their portal is powered by e-commerce giant Nox Solutions, who handles the sites for TV and radio personalities including Bill O’Reilly, Dennis Miller, Laura Ingraham, Lou Dobbs and more.

Nox Solutions’ CEO Payam Zarabi said, "We are thrilled to work with Heidi and Frank on this exciting initiative. Their show is one of the funniest and most entertaining broadcasts streaming today. We are thrilled to be providing fans with a new site where they can connect with Heidi and Frank every day, live and on demand.” Added Hamilton, “We chose the ideal partner. Nox Solutions can meet the needs of our fan base no matter how huge we grow.”

In addition to free content, The Heidi and Frank Show offers a subscription-based VIP membership program that includes members-only content:

•  Live and On-Demand Video from every show
• "After Hours" Video Shows
• On-Demand Commercial-Free Podcasts
• Archived Video Webcasts
• Exclusive Access to Weekly Q&A Sessions
• Members-Only Message Boards
• Exclusive Live On-Location Webcasts

The pricing structure for the subscription-based version of the show is as follows:

• $4.95 monthly subscription
• $14.85 for a three-month gift subscription
• $27.50 six month subscription
• $49.95 annual subscription

Engage Heidi and Frank on FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube and iTunes.

About Heidi Hamilton
Heidi Hamilton of the Heidi & Frank Show is the girl next door who is just one of the guys. She's the kind of girl who can dress up and look like a lady on Saturday night but call her on Sunday morning and she'll help you move a couch, too.

About Frank Kramer
Frank Kramer has developed into one of radio's most outspoken, quick-witted, and funny talk show hosts. He has topped the airwaves, dominating the AM/FM and Podcast markets for nearly two decades.

About Erik Scott Smith
Erik Scott Smith (AKA "Smeez") the Producer is just happy to be hanging out with the "cool kids" for once. Constantly teased for his love of killer whales, extremely embarrassing stories, and somewhat effeminate qualities, Smeez takes it all in stride. After all, he eventually finds a way to get revenge on the other two. Although they poke fun at Smeez, Heidi and Frank consider him the nerdy little brother of the crew.

About Nox Solutions
Nox Solutions builds and operates e-businesses for media personalities, broadcasters and content syndicators. Clients include Bill O'Reilly, Dennis Miller, Heidi and Frank, Laura Ingraham, Lou Dobbs, Westwood One, Loveline and many more.

LOS ANGELES, CA—October 4, 2010—Heidi Hamilton, the Los Angeles broadcast celebrity who cites “having a liquor cabinet in my office” as one the reasons she loves her job, launches the new Heidi and Frank Show today with broadcast partner Frank Kramer. Kramer, no stranger to the West Coast airwaves over the past 20 years, has a biting, irreverent style that can hold its own in a verbal tango with Hamilton. Adding to the mix is producer Erik Scott Smith, whose own on-air gaffes are the source of much Hamilton-Kramer tag team ridicule.

The new show airs from 10 a.m. to noon Pacific Time Monday through Friday at their new live-streaming portal HeidiandFrank.com, powered by Nox Solutions.

“We are looking forward to feeling less guarded in what we say, since we are no longer on a conservative talk radio channel,” explained Hamilton. “While we appreciated the opportunity to reach our previous station’s fan base, we’re feeling a little like kids breaking curfew--we’re able to get away with more now that self censorship is no longer an issue,” Kramer added.

Engage with The Heidi and Frank Show on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heidi-Frank-Show/147778711929274
https://twitter.com/heidiandfrank
http://www.youtube.com/user/fhfvideo

About Heidi Hamilton
Heidi Hamilton of the Heidi & Frank Show is the girl next door who is just one of the guys. She's the kind of girl who can dress up and look like a lady on Saturday night, but call her on Sunday morning and she'll help you move a couch, too.

About Frank Kramer
Frank Kramer has developed into one of radio's most outspoken, quick-witted, and funny talk show hosts. He has topped the airwaves, dominating the AM/FM and Podcast markets for nearly two decades.

Los Angeles, CA—October 3, 2010—Irreverent KABC radio hosts Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer are pleased to announce they’ve left their post on mornings at KABC to launch their new radio-on-demand broadcast, which will begin streaming live weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon Pacific Time as of Monday, October 4th. On Fridays they will also have a weekly “After Hours” show.

The new broadcast will continue fan favorites, including “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” and “Who’s Going to Hell,” produced by sometime-actor Erik Scott Smith at the helm, adding to the on-air hijinks.

Said Heidi and Frank fan Denise Dorman, “If you love TV shows like ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ or ‘Modern Family,’ you should be listening to Heidi and Frank. Their cult of personality, screwball camaraderie and penchant for not-in-mixed-company dialogue is the audio stress reliever everyone needs, especially today.”

The new show is available online at www.heidiandfrank.com free as it is broadcast live. The dynamic duo is also offering fans an exclusive VIP program, offering members-only material including the following:

• Live and On-Demand Video from every show
• The hot weekly "After Hours" video shows
• On-Demand Commercial-Free Podcasts
• Archived Video Webcasts
• Exclusive Access to Weekly Q&A Sessions
• Members-Only Message Boards
• Exclusive Live On-Location Webcasts

The pricing structure for the subscription-based version of the show is as follows:

• $4.95 monthly subscription
• $14.85 three-month gift subscription
• $27.50 six month subscription
• $49.95 annual subscription

HeidiandFrank.com is powered by Nox Solutions, the company behind the online E-Commerce solutions for entertainment personalities including Bill O'Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Dennis Miller, Lou Dobbs and many more.

About Heidi Hamilton
Heidi Hamilton of the Heidi & Frank Show is the girl next door who is just one of the guys. She's the kind of girl who can dress up and look like a lady on Saturday night but call her on Sunday morning and she'll help you move a couch, too.

About Frank Kramer
Frank Kramer has developed into one of radio's most outspoken, quick-witted, and funny talk show hosts. He has topped the airwaves, dominating the AM/FM and Podcast markets for nearly two decades.

About Erik Scott Smith
Erik Scott Smith (AKA "Smeez") the Producer is just happy to be hanging out with the "cool kids" for once. Constantly teased for his love of killer whales, extremely embarrassing stories, and somewhat effeminate qualities, Smeez takes it all in stride. After all, he eventually finds a way to get revenge on the other two. Although they poke fun at Smeez, Heidi and Frank consider him the nerdy little brother of the crew.

Engage with The Heidi and Frank Show

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heidi-Frank-Show/147778711929274

Twitter
http://twitter.com/heidiandfrank

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/fhfvideo

LOS ANGELES, CA--September 24, 2010—Former KLSX and KABC radio hosts Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer are pleased to announce they are partnering with e-commerce powerhouse Nox Solutions to run their new “freemium” live-streaming broadcast portal HeidiandFrank.com.

“We interviewed other Nox Solutions clients and we researched the results they were getting. It soon became clear that partnering with them made sense for our brand,” said Hamilton. “We are looking forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship,” added Kramer.

Heidi and Frank announced the launch of their new daily radio-on-demand broadcast, “The Heidi and Frank Show,” which begins airing weekdays starting Monday, October 4, 2010 from 10 a.m. to Noon PT.

The show is a lifestyle entertainment show mostly underscored by the hosts’ trademark screwball social commentary. Joining them will be producer Erik Scott Smith, whose own too-much-information personal narratives add to the on-air irreverence.

An “After Hours” show follows their Friday broadcasts and brings an edgier look at the world to their audience.

Engage with The Heidi and Frank Show

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heidi-Frank-Show/147778711929274

Twitter
http://twitter.com/heidiandfrank

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/user/fhfvideo

About Heidi Hamilton
Heidi Hamilton of the Heidi & Frank Show is the girl next door who is just one of the guys. She's the kind of girl who can dress up and look like a lady on Saturday night, but call her on Sunday morning and she'll help you move a couch, too.

About Frank Kramer
Frank Kramer has developed into one of radio's most outspoken, quick-witted, and funny talk show hosts. He has topped the airwaves, dominating the AM/FM and Podcast markets for nearly two decades.

About Nox Solutions
Nox Solutions builds and operates e-businesses for media personalities, broadcasters and content syndicators. Clients include Bill O'Reilly, Dennis Miller, Heidi and Frank, Laura Ingraham, Lou Dobbs, Westwood One, Loveline and many more.

Los Angeles, CA -- September 10, 2010—Longtime radio broadcast partners Heidi Hamilton and Frank Kramer announced today that they would be leaving KABC as of October 1st to make way for returning radio and TV personality Larry Elder.

“We are sorry to leave KABC, but we will find another way to reach the fans who count on us every day for entertainment,” said Hamilton. “We are grateful for the opportunity we’ve had here with KABC,” added Kramer. The broadcast duo agreed they would be announcing new show plans in the very near future.

About Heidi Hamilton
Heidi Hamilton of the Heidi & Frank Show is the girl next door who is just one of the guys. She's the kind of girl who can dress up and look like a lady on Saturday night but call her on Sunday morning and she'll help you move a couch, too.

About Frank Kramer
Frank Kramer has developed into one of radio's most outspoken, quick-witted, and funny talk show hosts. He has topped the airwaves, dominating the AM/FM and Podcast markets for nearly two decades.