-
Clear Channel Takes Wraps Off Format Lab; Offers Programming To Rivals
April 24, 2006 at 7:22 AM (PT)
What do you think? Add your comment below. -
CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO has unclassified a previously secret initiative begun in 2004, now called THE FORMAT LAB, which is the result of CCR's Content Research & Development Group. THE FORMAT LAB will be making 75 entirely new radio channels available to rival radio broadcasters for use on Internet channels, station Web sites, iPods, satellite broadcasts, in-vehicle navigation systems, and HD digital radio multicasts.
Co-lead by CCR Exec. VP/Content TOM OWENS, and CC ONLINE MUSIC & RADIO head EVAN HARRISON, the FORMAT LAB is described "as a virtual community of more than 200 programmers and production professionals, developing fresh and unconventional radio and online content, irrespective of what devices ultimately carry it."
CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO CEO JOHN HOGAN said, "We have become agnostic about delivery and are completely passionate about content. And we’ll continue to lead the radio industry on to new platforms. Radio programming is the most engaging and compelling media today. Our power to connect with, and hold, consumers will continue to reveal itself as we supplement our outstanding AM/FM properties with programming for new devices.
"We’ve created this programming to give broadcasters the most flexibility and the best return on investment," added HOGAN. "The massive amounts of programming needed to feed rapidly growing numbers of HD2 multicast channels, Internet streams and other near-term opportunities dwarfs the real estate that our industry had to fill with the advent of FM. By making extraordinary programming available even more broadly, the radio industry will be able to fully capitalize on the opportunities we are creating for ourselves daily."
To sample live streams of the first 75 channels, just click here.

