Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman Defends Corporate Radio At CRS

Pittman: Radio Is 'Rock Solid'

CLEAR CHANNEL MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT CEO BOB PITTMAN staunchly defended corporate radio in a keynote address he gave at the COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR in NASHVILLE. THE TENNESSEAN reported that PITTMAN praised the "rock solid" strength and reach of the medium, as it reaches 90% of Americans.

He also defended the use of voicetracking and syndication -- exemplified by CLEAR CHANNEL's Premium Choice service -- against critics of consolidation, who bemoan the loss of local air talent. PITTMAN asserted that the goal is to "provide local markets with the best and strongest on-air personalities." "It’s like television," he said. "If you’ve got JAY LENO, he’s better than the local TV guy."

He appeared unfazed by the increasing competition from the Internet and iPODs, noting that just 5% of the audience listens to radio's rivals -- and that most of them involve "more solitary and introspective listening experiences, where the fan picks only the music he or she likes." Radio, on the other hand, provides its audience with more social listening experiences.

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