i heart radio

Clear Channel launched an online media player at iheartradio.com, using Adobe Flash technology to provide a better user experience and more advertiser opportunities.

The player serves as a single gateway to more than 350 streaming AM/FM broadcasts (more are being added weekly), the company's digital streaming channels, its entire library of original on-demand audio and video programming, and social media elements including on-air talent blogs and photos, MediaBuyerPlanner observes.

Features include dynamic controls that let users access full-screen videos, complete song lyrics, favorite station and video playlists, content from emerging and unsigned artists, movie trailers and ticket ordering and local and national news feeds. The player will soon allow users to e-mail and embed content.

Advertisers can be featured in video pre-roll ads, synced to a 300×250 display ad, which remains on display after the video ad completes. Display ads are only served when the user is interacting with the player and guaranteed to be viewing it. They will also be able to place in-player flash ads via dynamic transparent overlays.

Clear Channel Radio claims the number of advertisers choosing its digital platforms grew 23% in 2008, to some 100,000 advertisers. Through April 2009, the company is on track to grow that number by some 39% year over year.

Local radio revenue fell 26.8% in the first quarter of 2009, according to TNS Media Intelligence. BIA Advisory Services is now saying that radio revenues will fall 15% in 2009, to $14 billion - down from its former estimate of a 10.6% decline.