Clear Channel is building more original programming and other features into its stations' Websites to lure new listeners and new advertisers, The New York Times reports (via MediaBuyerPlanner). This month, Clear Channel began replacing its current websites containing ads, song lists, entertainment news and pictures of DJs - with simplified sites featuring fewer ads and highlighting original programming, live webcasts and other interactive elements.

One such is Sneak Peek, which offers online visitors the chance to listen to yet-to-be-released tracks.

Last month, 375,000 people logged on to hear a new album from the Backstreet Boys four days before its debut in stores.

Clear Channel's site also has free podcasts of Phone Taps, a daily prank call featured on Z100 FM in New York. As of last week, more than 500,000 people had downloaded at least one episode. Clear Channel had begun working on delivering 15-second ads with each podcast.