MobileNest

Clear Channel Communications Inc. announced a new free mobile offering enabling listeners to make song requests, get real-time traffic reports, and access other information by sending a text-message to Clear Channel’s radio stations.

The new free mobile program follows the payed program ($2.99 per month) launched in September jointly with Cingular Wireless. The payed program allowed listeners of Top 40 New York station, Z100, to stream live broadcasts, listen to interview podcasts, and communicate with the station by making song requests and getting real-time traffic using a text-messaging.

After testing the opportunity, Clear Chanel decided to move away from the paid model and offering broadcasting. Instead, they will concentrate their efforts on the free service and text-messaging offerings.

“Giving users an individualized, on-demand experience will strengthen listeners’ connection with their favorite radio stations,” said John Hogan, chief executive officer of Clear Channel Radio.

Hogan is planning to capitalize on the number of people Clear Channel can reach, thus he is building the mobile platform to add a level of accountability and credibility to Clear Channel’s offerings.

The mobile industry is quickly becoming a new channel for many content providers. This is a very important move for those that plan to follow the advertisement money.

The latest information released by Yankee Group, expects the mobile advertising market to more than quadruple to $275 million in 2007 and reach $2.2 billion in 2010. This is a large jump from 2006 where the market was about $60 million.