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Clear Channel Radio is rolling out a mobile phone application initiative that it says will allow radio stations to extend local station brands and expand the platforms to which it is distributing content.
The initiative kicks off in the largest DMA market in the U.S. with free 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).
The program allows users to send text messages to 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 a particular station. The technology is available on most cellular phones via carriers that offer SMS text features.
The service is free to users.
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.
“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, Clear Channel Radio’s CEO. “Each application allows users to have an individualized, on-demand experience, which will strengthen listeners’ connection with their favorite radio stations.”
Last fall, WHTZ-FM Z100 piloted a program that streams live radio and features directly to cell phones across the country serviced by Cingular Wireless.
Subscribers of Z100 Mobile are able to use phones to listen to streamed and on-demand content including podcasts of celebrity interviews and popular segments. They can also find the title and artist of the last 10 songs played on-air, make a song request directly to Z100 and receive a text message alert 15 minutes before the song is played.
The interactive service is $2.99 per month, with unlimited streaming another 99-cents per month.
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