Clear Channel Inks Ringtone Deal

Clear Channel is exploring the ringtone game. The company has signed a deal with a wireless entertainment aggregator for cellular handsets, ClearSky Mobile Media Inc.
Ringtones – customized “ring” programming for a cell phone – as well as cell phone screen wallpaper will be distributed through Clear Channel stations and their Web sites, starting with seven stations in central Florida.
“Clear Channel intends to become the market leader in offering ringtones from all genres and formats,” said Linda Byrd, regional radio VP for Central and North Florida.
Each genre of station has a ringtone and wallpaper selection specific to its playlist and audience, the companies stated, providing a promotional tie-in between the group and wireless mobile ringtones.
According to the announcement, each station Web site will have a mobile phone download area dedicated to the discovery and purchase of the ringtone and screen saver collection. Christmas music is part of the selection during the holidays.
Stations in the Orlando market are letting first-time users download a free “Jingle Bells” ringtone.