Owned by Clear Channel Communications, iHeartRadio is
a fully integrated digital radio network provided by Clear Channel that allows
access to radio stations across the country from anywhere, and most recently
the ability for customized stations.
Originally launched in April 2008 as www.iheartmusic.com,
the online station then offered a smaller scale version of today’s iHeartRadio
network. In October, they released their
first version of the phone application to Apple, later releasing it to all
markets throughout 2009 and 2010.
“The best of live radio” is now offered through
iHeartRadio’s phone application which compiles over 800 of the most popular
live radio broadcasts from around the U.S., including non-music and national
programming. The network recently revamped and newly introduced itself to the
online radio market by adding “Custom Radio”. Listeners can create their own
stations based on songs, artists or genres choosing from a library of 400,00
artists and 11 million songs. They then can control the level of mainstream
artists verses unknown/independent artists by sliding the cursor on the ‘Station
Control’ feature. iHeartRadio also boasts deeper social media interaction by
linking to Facebook and Twitter so that consumers can post their current stations
and follow friends’ recent listening habits. The entire service is totally free as well as
commercial free through the end of the year.
iHeartRadio is a great opportunity for local radio
stations to increase listener loyalty with a nationwide platform. Stations around
B/CS can now ground the revolving door of their listener base, while Aggies who
move away can stay connected no matter where they are. These apps allow the
radio industry to keep a strong foothold in this new age of media, and while
there isn’t any threat of total extinction, radio can continue to evolve by providing
this stronger connection and personalization between consumers and the radio
broadcast industry.
1 comment:
How do older media serve as a template for a Wireless Culture?
New media such as internet radio has its original form to thank for the concrete foundation on which they are building. By providing a proven format, audience base and being so firmly established in everyday life, the older media form of terrestrial radio offers a ready-made package for online radio to take and adapt. By elevating radio to fit the wireless culture of today, networks like iHeartRadio satisfy a new level of our listening habits. Personalization is exemplified and immediate listening possibilities are now endless while the radio industry stays relevant with a stronger foothold in the future. The new wireless culture has offered radio a option to grow and strengthen itself rather than fall to the wayside amid the battles of new technology.
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