New Zune Software Offers FM Song Tagging

Tag ... They're "It!"

Nine major radio groups are partnering with MICROSOFT to allow users of the ZUNE portable media player to instantly tag and retrieve songs played on FM stations. The new ZUNE models will let users tag a song they hear and then immediately buy the song through the ZUNE MARKETPLACE. 

Stations owned by CBS, CLEAR CHANNEL, COX, EMMIS, ENTERCOM, BONNEVILLE, BEASLEY, CITADEL and GREATER MEDIA are participating, with over 450 stations broadcasting the tags immediately through the RDS system and a tagging mechanism developed by JUMP2GO and CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO. The new ZUNE software will be available on SEPTEMBER 16th.

"The combination of encrypted digital code with MICROSOFT's ZUNE and the outstanding products our stations broadcast daily, we are now able to give consumers a fully-integrated digital experience," said BONNEVILLE CEO BRUCE REESE. "It offers instant gratification for our listeners who tune in daily to hear their favorite music and the possibility of new discoveries that happen when each song is played.”

"Radio’s decision to push the digital envelope doesn’t mean that our analog broadcasts need to be left behind," said CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO Pres./CEO JOHN HOGAN. "CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO will have 450 stations live with RDS song-tagging at launch. We applaud MICROSOFT's leadership and shared commitment to making cutting-edge entertainment experiences available to the masses."

"The connection between the music discovery radio has always provided, and its resulting sales, make this interactive radio feature a natural for the radio industry," said COX RADIO Pres./CEO BOB NEIL.

"We are thrilled to be a part of bringing music tagging to ZUNE listeners," said EMMIS Chairman/CEO JEFF SMULYAN. "This is the next step in the evolution of radio: Providing our listeners with the ability to download music instantly."

"We are moving toward a future where music discovery, purchase and fulfillment is a convenient and seamless experience," said ENTERCOM CEO DAVID FIELD.

"This innovative technology is yet another compelling example of how radio is embracing today's interactive world," said GREATER MEDIA Pres./CEO PETER SMYTH. "We are thrilled to be able to offer our listeners the opportunity to further interact with our stations through tagging and ultimately purchase their favorite music."

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