• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Clear Channel Radio Gives Listeners Direct Mobile Access to Favorite Radio Stations

Posted on: Monday, 21 May 2007, 09:00 CDT

Clear Channel Radio today announced the launch of a national roll out of customized mobile phone applications that further extends its local station brands and expands the platforms to which it is distributing content. The initiative kicks off in the largest DMA market in the U.S. with free (a) programs for popular New York radio stations WHTZ-FM Z100 (Contemporary Hits Radio), WAXQ-FM Q104.3 (Classic Rock), WKTU-FM 103.5 (Rhythmic Adult Contemporary), WWPR-FM Power 105.1 (Urban) and WLTW-FM 106.7 (Adult Contemporary). Clear Channel Radio expects to launch similar programs on up to 100 more of its radio stations by the end of 2008, beginning with stations in Salt Lake City and St. Louis in the next 60 days.

Users will be able to send text messages into the studio, participate in contests, receive an alert before their favorite song plays, make requests and dedications, and view the last 10 songs played on their favorite New York City radio stations. The technology is available on most cellular phones via carriers that offer SMS text features. Cell phones with even basic SMS capabilities will be able to participate via text messaging, while more advanced phones will be able to access the services via WAP and enjoy the applications with rich graphics and an enhanced user interface.

Listeners can also sign up for alerts about breaking music news and tune-in times for in-studio performances, interviews and contests. Additionally, users can check current traffic conditions, test their knowledge with station specific trivia, and participate in opinion polls. Cell phone users will also be able to customize their individual phones with station logos, DJ wallpaper, and format specific ring tones starting in July.

"By making these applications available for free via any cellular phone carrier, Clear Channel Radio is monumentally expanding access to its growing mobile content portfolio," said John Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel Radio. "Each application allows users to have an individualized, on-demand experience, which will strengthen listeners' connection with their favorite radio stations."

To get started, users simply text 'JOIN' to their station's short code. (Z100 -- 55100, Q104 -- 41043, WKTU -- 31035, Power 105 -- 41051, WLTW -- 41067). For additional information, log on to the sites below and enter the keyword MOBILE.

www.z100.com

www.ktu.com

www.q1043.com

www.power1051fm.com

www.1067newyork.com

(a) Standard text messaging rates and other carrier charges may apply.

About Clear Channel Radio

Clear Channel Radio is a leading radio company focused on serving local communities across the U.S. with more than 110 million listeners choosing Clear Channel Radio programming each week. The company's content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, on the Internet, via iPods and via mobile-navigation devices from Cobra, Garmin, Kenwood and others. The company's operations include radio broadcasting, syndication and independent media representation. Clear Channel Radio is a division of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE: CCU), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at www.clearchannel.com.

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category