If federal regulators do ever decide to pursue more stringent radio “localism” requirements in the future, perhaps Clear Channel will be able to say “been there, done that.”
Clear Channel Radio this week set a “minimum level of service” for its stations, a level it says is higher than in the past and intended to provide a “new level of commitment to local community affairs.”
It laid out plans in five areas — charitable partnerships, PSAs, local public-affairs programming, local advisory boards and 24/7 access to station management for local officials.
Among the numerous steps it listed: More time and outreach for public service announcements. “PSAs will be required multiple times a day, throughout all day parts. That will total a minimum of 12 minutes a day and 84 minutes per week.” It also will set up local advisory boards in every market, saying its an expansion of a program it started in some cities five years ago.
Read the details here.
