We've heard again and again that broadcasters were losing ground to new media because we weren't innovating and capitalizing on alternative platforms. We've also pointed out that pundits always find time to criticize radio, but never seem to acknowledge accomplishments of this "dying" medium.
On October 9th Clear Channel rolled out iHeartRadio, a iPhone application to access Clear Channel's stations. According to Radio & Records, iHeartRadio is already in the top 10 of free iPhone applications. Here's how R&R reported the news on October 24th, just two weeks after the roll-out:
In just over two weeks since its roll-out, Clear Channel Radio's (CCR) iHeartRadio application has quickly broken into the top 10 of the overall free applications section of Apple's iPhone app store. As a matter of fact, it is the only music app in the top 25 of the free apps section as of Friday afternoon (Oct. 24), where Pandora Radio was the next music app in the No. 26 position.
In addition, iHeartRadio has become the No. 1 free music application in the app store, ahead of Pandora and AOL Radio, both of which also appear in the top 10.
The iHeartradio app allows users to access the CCR's terrestrial and Internet radio streams on the iPhone or iPod Touch, and all in conjunction with the company's new iHeartMusic.com destination.
The fact that iHeartRadio became the top free music application in just two weeks should be hailed as a measure of the strength of commercial radio. The fact that it beat both Pandora and AOL Radio should raise questions about claims about pure new media's advantage over commercial radio, but of course facts have never interfered with new media's story. This is how American Media Services reported the accomplishment:
As successful as IHeartRadio is, it is the creative ad-ons that will continue to position it among the top free music apps. Music streaming entities, like www.theradio.com will provide what direct radio station streaming cannot, the opportunity for truly creative music consumption and greater engagement opportunities. Broadcasters who treat their streaming entities as a different animal from the traditional station offering will realize lots of love all around.
So yes, iHeartRadio is a success, but pure music streaming entities offer something more. Would it surprise you that AMS owns theradio.com?
AMS saw the internet trend years ago and our research indicates dramatic growth to audio on line. When the WiMax cloud covers the USA internet radio / audio will be there - everywhere. Radio needs to stream by modifying their formats and commercial loads now to be there , AMS can help just like we have helped Radio improve their signals for years now. Go to www.theradio.com to hear what we offer on the inernet and www.amsinteractive.com to see and hear neat new products for Radio.
Posted by: Edward F Seeger | November 04, 2008 at 03:59 PM