Clear Channel Announces Plan to Syndicate 75 Channels for HD Radio and Other Digital Platforms

Paul Heine reported in Billboard Radio Monitor in an article dated April 24 that Clear Channel will syndicate an eclectic mix of 75 channels created expressly for HD Radio. These channels will be offered to other broadcasters, web sites, satellite and other digital platforms.

These channels, which represent 75 formats, were created by Clear Channel's Format Lab and, until now wereavailable only to company stations and limited third-party licensees.

It is said that many of the 75 formats are just slices of existing formats, others offer sounds not heard on either terrestrial or satellite radio. For example, one is a workout channel, others are make-out channels, and a party channel described as "a never-ending bar mitzvah." There are also seven country formats, 18 rock formats, seven adult contemporary versions, seven Top 40 formats, 10 R&B and Hip-Hop formats, five jazz and blues formats and a free-form FM format.

Clear Channel’s format lab is overseen by executive VP of content development Tom Owens and executive VP of online music and radio Evan Harrison; the division is managed by co-VPs of content R&D Mike O’Connor and Eric Siebert.

According to the Billboard Radio Monitor article, Clear Channel’s new formats will be offered to stations and other outlets in either off-the-shelf or customizable versions. Clear Channel's Tom Owens was quoted as having said that,. “As more HD radios penetrate the marketplace and listenership reaches more material level, you will see increasing air personality presence on the music formats as well as additional spoken-word options.” .

The article went on to say that Clear Channel has already inked a deal to provide Motorola with content for 75 channels for its nascent iRadio cell-phone subscription service in what will likely be a revenue share deal. Expected to launch later this year, iRadio will feature 435 commercial-free radio channels for about $7 per month, nearly half the monthly $12.95 fee XM and Sirius charge for about 120 channels. Music Choice is also an iRadio content provider.

Additionally, Clear Channel is providing Sprint customers in 32 markets with news and sports updates on their cell phones on a trial basis.

Paul Heine reported in Billboard Radio Monitor in an article dated April 24 that Clear Channel will syndicate an eclectic mix of 75 channels created expressly for HD Radio. These channels will be offered to other broadcasters, web sites, satellite and other digital platforms.

These channels, which represent 75 formats, were created by Clear Channel's Format Lab and, until now wereavailable only to company stations and limited third-party licensees.

It is said that many of the 75 formats are just slices of existing formats, others offer sounds not heard on either terrestrial or satellite radio. For example, one is a workout channel, others are make-out channels, and a party channel described as "a never-ending bar mitzvah." There are also seven country formats, 18 rock formats, seven adult contemporary versions, seven Top 40 formats, 10 R&B and Hip-Hop formats, five jazz and blues formats and a free-form FM format.

Clear Channel’s format lab is overseen by executive VP of content development Tom Owens and executive VP of online music and radio Evan Harrison; the division is managed by co-VPs of content R&D Mike O’Connor and Eric Siebert.

According to the Billboard Radio Monitor article, Clear Channel’s new formats will be offered to stations and other outlets in either off-the-shelf or customizable versions. Clear Channel's Tom Owens was quoted as having said that,. “As more HD radios penetrate the marketplace and listenership reaches more material level, you will see increasing air personality presence on the music formats as well as additional spoken-word options.” .

The article went on to say that Clear Channel has already inked a deal to provide Motorola with content for 75 channels for its nascent iRadio cell-phone subscription service in what will likely be a revenue share deal. Expected to launch later this year, iRadio will feature 435 commercial-free radio channels for about $7 per month, nearly half the monthly $12.95 fee XM and Sirius charge for about 120 channels. Music Choice is also an iRadio content provider.

Additionally, Clear Channel is providing Sprint customers in 32 markets with news and sports updates on their cell phones on a trial basis.

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