ClearChannel is taking steps to compete with the rise of alternative media such as podcasting and satellite radio. It leaves me less than impressed, but I am curious to see if people take to it. A lot of it involves getting their audience to buy into HD radio.
With operating earnings essentially flat since 2002, Clear Channel needs to show it has a plan for the Digital Age — and that includes taking on satellite radio. The broadcaster hopes to have 100 digital channels up by September. Many are already on the Web, and the company is working with Motorola’s iRadio to send programming to cell phones.
I’ll plug HD and say that it’s great, you should really check it out, and there is a lot of neat features to it. I’ll also say that a simple radio to pick up HD is expensive. It’s a classic case of ClearChannel wanting more, spending more, demanding a lot from its listeners. Really makes you wonder how they are making any money, doesn’t it?