Will the U.S. radio industry consolidate around Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio platform?
Another broadcast group that competes with Clear Channel in terrestrial markets has joined those whose stations are available on iHeartRadio.
Greater Media owns 22 stations, perhaps not a large number by 2012 standards, but it is a high-profile, big-market/big-revenue broadcaster; the addition of its content represents another win for Clear Channel in building the online “digital radio” platform.
Last month, Clear Channel announced an agreement with Cumulus to include its 570 stations, as RW reported. Spanish-content provider Univision Radio made a similar commitment in September, and Christian broadcaster Educational Media Foundation came on board with its K-Love and Air1 networks the following month. New York public station WNYC also is in the fold.
Greater Media stations will be heard on iHeartRadio starting in April. The announcement was made by Clear Channel Radio President/CEO John Hogan and Greater Media Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter H. Smyth.
Clear Channel calls iHeartRadio “the number one free broadcast radio app on the iPhone and Android,” saying there have been 47 million downloads of iHeartRadio mobile apps. It is available through the Web, mobile devices and automobiles.
Related:
Cumulus, Clear Channel Combine Digital Efforts (December 2011)
