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Emmis Radio Sites First To Integrate With iTunes
June 2, 2006 at 6:27 AM (PT)
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EMMIS has announced it is the first company to integrate the iTUNES MUSIC STORE into its radio station websites. The integration will reflect the programming of each radio station, allowing listeners to shop from playlists of station artists as well as top picks from on-air talent and celebrity guests.
The national rollout of the integrated storefronts begins today with Alternative WKQX (www.Q101.com)/CHICAGO, Top 40 WNOU (www.radionow931.com)/INDIANAPOLIS. The iTunes integration will roll out to all EMMIS radio markets in the next month with Alternative KROX (101X) and Top 40/Rhythmic KDHT (HOT 93.3)/AUSTIN, and KPNT (105.7 THE POINT)/ST. LOUIS next up.
EMMIS VP/Interactive REY MENA said, "We approached APPLE with the idea, and we developed the back-end technology to make this possible. Many Web sites link to iTUNES, but we’re the first to pull iTUNES’ entire 2.5 million-song catalog into our sites, weaving station programming with the APPLE platform. EMMIS will receive a portion of all iTUNES sales made through its Web sites. Individual stations will promote the new feature through on-air spots and their listener clubs."
EMMIS RADIO President RICK CUMMINGS said, "This is another example of EMMIS leading the way. Radio has always been a promoter of music, but now our radio stations are also a point of purchase. This could take the industry in a new direction.
The concept was successfully piloted with iTUNES integration last month at Top 40/Rhythmic WQHT (HOT 97)/NEW YORK and Top 40/Rhythmic KPWR (POWER 106)/LOS ANGELES.

