Corporate

Michael Kassan Expands His Advisory Role With Clear Channel
 
CEO of Highly Influential Media and Technology Consulting Firm MediaLink Will Help Clear Channel Develop Multiplatform Marketing Solutions
 
Sept. 19, 2013 – New York, NY – Clear Channel Communications (OTCBB: CCMO), today announced that widely respected and internationally recognized business strategist Michael Kassan will become a Special Advisor to Clear Channel’s Chairman.
 
Kassan is the Founder, Chairman and CEO of MediaLink, a leading Los Angeles- and New York City-based advisory and business development firm that provides critical counsel and direction on issues of marketing, advertising, media, entertainment and digital technology. His extensive background as a leader in the media and advertising industries includes serving as President/COO and Vice Chairman of Initiative Media Worldwide and President and COO of International Video Entertainment.  Kassan was named by Advertising Age magazine as one of the top media executives in America.
 
Expanding in on Clear Channel’s current partnership with MediaLink, Kassan, will work closely with Clear Channel Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Chairman and CEO John Hogan, Clear Channel Outdoor CEO William Eccleshare and Clear Channel President and CFO Rich Bressler on the further planning and implementation of strategic marketing and brand development for Clear Channel's businesses.  Kassan will advise on marketing and revenue generating solutions to ensure that Clear Channel maximizes its unmatched assets for existing and potential clients, partners and agencies.
 
“Over the last several years MediaLink has been an important and valuable partner for us, and Michael's expanded role is a testament of his involvement. He has made an effort to be more directly involved in our business, and we of course jumped at the opportunity to have him play an even bigger role with us,” said Hogan. “Michael has shown a strong interest and a deep understanding of Clear Channel's unparalleled capabilities, and will be extremely valuable in helping Clear Channel further capitalize on our unique multiplatform assets and deliver unmatched media solutions to our advertisers.  He is strategic, creative and has an incredible amount of knowledge of the media industry. He believes in our company and knows the value we can bring to advertisers -- and he will be a huge asset to Clear Channel.”
 
“Clear Channel has the “special sauce” that is sought after in media today: the rare combination of proven experience coupled with intelligent innovation. As an organization, it is one of the largest media companies and one of the most nimble in the world.  Its assets are truly multiplatform, connecting bedrock offerings in radio and out-of-home, with show-stopping digital and live experiences.  And, of course, its people – with a team worthy of the word “leadership” that has demonstrated results for both audiences and advertisers across all mediums,” Kassan said.  “I am honored and energized to be serving as a special advisor to Clear Channel, particularly Bob Pittman, John Hogan, William Eccleshare and Rich Bressler, as they further evolves their partnerships with advertisers.”
 
Kassan has also served on the Board of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, the Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy and the Cultural Affairs Commission – City of Los Angeles and has been Chairman of the State Senate Select Committee on the Entertainment Industry.  Kassan is also a strong supporter of community and not-for-profit programs, and currently serves as Chair of the UJA-New York Marketing Communications Committee. He also plays an active role in children’s education and mentoring, having been involved in both the H.E.L.P. Group, a non-profit organization serving children with special needs, and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of Los Angeles.

Richard J. Bressler Named President And Chief Financial Officer Of CC Media Holdings, Inc. And Clear Channel Communications, Inc., And Chief Financial Officer Of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.

Former Time Warner and Viacom CFO Will Help Drive Clear Channel’s Next Stage of Growth as Nation’s Leading Multi-Platform Media and Entertainment Company

July 30, 2013 – New York, NY - CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO) today announced that widely respected media and finance executive Richard J. Bressler will become President and Chief Financial Officer of CC Media Holdings, Inc. and Clear Channel Communications, Inc., and Chief Financial Officer of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCO), reporting to Chairman and CEO Robert Pittman, effective immediately.

Bressler, who has served as CFO of Time Warner and Viacom and Managing Director at Thomas H. Lee Partners, possesses wide-ranging experience and expertise in the media, entertainment, digital and out-of-home businesses as well as an extensive background in public companies, private equity and venture capital investing.

As a member of Thomas H. Lee Partners, one of the two private equity firms that completed a multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Clear Channel in 2008, Bressler has been a Director of CC Media Holdings, Inc. and Clear Channel Communications, Inc. since then, positions he will continue to hold, and has been intimately involved in the company as a member of the CC Media Holdings board's operating committee.

As President of CC Media Holdings, Inc. and Clear Channel Communications, Inc., Bressler will work closely with Pittman on the further development of strategies and initiatives to ensure that Clear Channel capitalizes on its unique assets.  In his capacity as CFO, Bressler will succeed Tom Casey, who served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CC Media Holdings, Inc., Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. from 2010. 

“I know Rich very well, and we have even worked together – twice – at Time Warner.  He has been an invaluable strategic partner for us in his position at Thomas H. Lee Partners, and now he will play an even bigger role in helping Clear Channel fully maximize our unparalleled assets, working closely with me, John Hogan and William Eccleshare and the rest of our leadership team to continue to build the leading multi-platform media and entertainment company in the U.S. with global reach,” said Pittman.  “I recruited Rich for this role because there are few people who have as deep an understanding as he does of our company and the opportunities we have to lead the industry in helping marketers meet the demands of increasingly connected consumers. I’m confident that he’ll add another layer of expertise and experience as we take the company to its next level of growth, and will be a tremendous leader for our financial team.  His keen strategic, financial and analytical skills will be a huge asset to all of Clear Channel.”

“Bob Pittman is a visionary leader, and I’m incredibly excited by the opportunity to play a more direct role in the company’s next stage of growth and development,” said Bressler.  “I’m a great believer in the power and potential of Clear Channel and have been proud to have a seat at the table as the company has expanded its position as a leader in the broadcast radio, digital media, entertainment and out-of-home businesses.  I’m looking forward to partnering with Bob, William and John to help the company fulfill its potential as a truly transformative multi-platform media company.”
 
“There is no better, more experienced executive Bob Pittman could have recruited for this important role than Rich Bressler,” said Scott Sperling, co-President of Thomas H. Lee Partners. “Bob and his team have achieved strong revenue growth driven by accelerating increases in market share, expanding the universe of Clear Channel advertisers, and building a leadership position in the transition to digital platforms. With this traction on top of the broad process reengineering work already completed, we have great confidence in the Company and are highly supportive of Rich's transition from helping lead our investment in Clear Channel to being a dedicated executive there on a full time basis.”

“We are very excited about the transformation of Clear Channel in the last several years into a true multi-media platform," said John Connaughton, a Managing Director at Bain Capital.  "Rich will advance this mission with his exceptional track record as an executive at several premier media companies.  Having worked with Rich over the last seven years, I know he will use his experience, in-depth knowledge of the company, and enduring relationships with Bob and the leadership to continue to grow the business and bring unique skills to an already-strong senior management team."

Pittman continued, “I’d like to extend my most sincere thanks to Tom Casey for his significant contributions to Clear Channel over the last several years that set the stage for the company’s continued evolution.  Especially notable has been all his work during the completion of the recent debt refinancings, which strengthened our financial position and prepared our company for its next stage of growth.  With these transactions complete, it’s a natural time for this transition, which will enable Clear Channel to maximize its potential and take advantage of the company’s promise and value.  We wish Tom all the best for the future.” 

Prior to joining Thomas H. Lee Partners, Bressler was the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Viacom, Inc. from 2001 through 2005.  He also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner Digital Media, and was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Time Warner, Inc. from 1995 to 1999.

The Chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, John Hogan, and the CEO of Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc., William Eccleshare, will continue to report to Mr. Pittman.

Berlin School and Clear Channel Launch Competition for Leadership in Audio Innovation - Winner Receives Full-Tuition Scholarship To Attend Berlin School Global EMBA Program  
 
Clear Channel Creates Council of Advertising Thought Leaders to Improve Audio and Out-of-Home Advertising Impact and Effectiveness; New Council To Judge Leadership Competition
 
Berlin – 12 June 2013 – The Berlin School of Creative Leadership and Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced today the launch of the “Clear Channel Scholarship for Leadership in Audio Innovation” program.  The winner will receive a full-tuition scholarship (worth 53,000 Euro) to attend the Berlin School's prestigious global Executive MBA in Creative Leadership Program starting March 2014. Entries are being accepted from now through October 31, 2013 and will be judged by the Berlin School and Clear Channel’s newly formed Creative Advisory Council (CAC); entrants to the competition will be considered on both their professional and academic profile, as well as their response to a special essay question about innovative audio strategies.
 
The global scholarship competition kicks off Clear Channel’s overarching creative advertising initiative designed to drive excitement among the creative community, centered on the possibilities audio and out-of-home platforms offer and to develop leadership talent in the field.  Beginning with the Berlin School scholarship, Clear Channel will help to develop leadership talent in the field of audio communications.  In conjunction with the competition kickoff, Berlin School President Michael Conrad will welcome Bob Pittman, Clear Channel Chairman and CEO, to the Berlin School in Cannes on Tuesday, June 18 at 5:15 p.m. for an exclusive fireside chat to discuss Pittman’s strategy for fostering creativity and innovative thinking at Clear Channel.  
 
“We are proud to work with the Berlin School and our new Creative Council to award this scholarship to the audio industry's next creative innovator,” said Pittman. “Joining forces with the Berlin School to drive education and awareness of the value that audio advertising offers is a key initiative for us, and the Berlin School is a perfect global partner to foster such training and development.  I am also so pleased to welcome the amazing talents who have joined our Creative Advisory Council which I am confident will make a lasting impact on the media landscape in both audio and out-of-home.” 
 
Members of the Berlin School Admission Committee will work closely together with Clear Channel’s newly formed Creative Advisory Council to review, evaluate and select the scholarship winner.   Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and Clear Channel Outdoor formed the new Creative Advisory Council to help provide expert insights to guide the development of innovative approaches to audio and out-of-home advertising to maximize each medium’s creative possibilities, as well as consider the important role these media play within the larger marketing mix.
 
Distinguished industry and agency thought leaders among the first to join the Clear Channel Creative Council are:
 
Jeff Benjamin, Chief Creative Officer, North America, JWT
Lincoln Bjorkman, EVP, Chief Creative Officer, North America,  Digitas
Andrew Essex, Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Droga5
Paul Gunning, Chief Executive Officer, Tribal Worldwide
Jonathan Hoffman, Chief Experience Officer, Starcom MediaVest Group
Andrew Keller, Partner/Chief Executive Officer, Crispin Porter + Bogusky
Paul LaVoie, Chairman, TAXI
Benjamin Palmer, CEO / Chief Creative Officer, The Barbarian Group
Chuck Porter, Partner/Chairman, Crispin Porter + Bogusky
David Sable, Global Chief Executive Officer, Y&R
Taras Wayner, SVP, Executive Creative Director, New York, R/GA
 
Clear Channel plans to further expand the Creative Council and will continue to share key insights aimed at impacting and inspiring creative advertising industry-wide.
 
Sheridan Johns, director of the Berlin School, said the scholarship from Clear Channel adds a new dimension to the mix of students in the global EMBA program.  “We are incredibly excited about this scholarship. With the rise of social media in recent years, people tend to forget the bedrock and ubiquity of radio on the media and advertising landscape,” Johns said. “The scholarship aims to provide Clear Channel as well as the entire industry with exciting, fresh ideas on how creative leadership applies to the vibrant field of audio communication, including innovative developments in radio.”
 
The part-time EMBA program starts March 16, 2014 in Berlin and is designed for senior executives in the creative industry who have a track record for creative excellence. The Executive MBA comprises of five separate two-week modules taking place in the USA, Asia and Berlin over 12-24 months.  The ideal candidates should be accomplished senior executives in the creative industries with a strong professional background and track record of creative excellence. A bachelor’s degree is a required.  Application Deadline: October 31, 2013, please visit http://www.berlin-school.com/programs/exec-mba-in-creative-leadership/scholarships/.
 
If you have any questions please contact the Berlin School at tel. +49 (0)30 884 980 80 or via email: info@berlin-school.com.

John Hogan Promoted to Chairman and CEO Of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment

Award-Winning Radio Veteran Has Overseen Rebranding and Integration of Extensive Assets and Franchises, Like Iconic Brands KIIS FM, Z100, KFI And Others, Across Platforms Including Broadcast Radio, Satellite, HD, Online, and Mobile
Continues to Drive Innovations that are Listener-, Artist-, and Advertiser-Friendly

New York, NY – February 23, 2012 – CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media, digital and entertainment company, today announced the promotion of John Hogan to Chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment effective immediately. Mr. Hogan has served as President and CEO of Clear Channel Radio since 2002.

Hogan’s promotion follows the rebranding of Clear Channel Radio as Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, reflecting its continued efforts to deliver the best, most vital and engaging entertainment and content from leading franchises, including the iconic KIIS FM, Z100, KFI and many others, to diverse audiences across a range of platforms – broadcast radio; online via the iHeartRadio digital platform and radio stations’ websites; HD; satellite; and mobile.

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, with its 238 million monthly listeners in the U.S., has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America. With more than 54 million downloads and more than 90 million listening hours in January, its iHeartRadio platform is the number one free broadcast radio app on the iPhone and Android.

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment also includes a number of media services that serve the radio, television, digital, mobile and music industries, including Premiere Networks, which syndicates 90 radio programs and services to more than 5,000 radio station affiliates; Total Traffic Network, a groundbreaking programming and technology service delivering real-time traffic data to vehicles via in-car and portable navigation systems, broadcast media, wireless and Internet-based services; The Katz Media Group, the leading media representation firm in the U.S. for radio and television stations; and RCS, which provides scheduling and broadcast software for radio, Internet and television stations in addition to research studies that aid the media and music businesses.

Hogan’s team recently spearheaded two major integrated marketing campaigns for key media partners: the hugely successful campaign for the debut of Madonna’s newest single, “Give Me All Your Luvin’” and album, MDNA; as part of the campaign, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment used extensive on-air and online promotions to drive listeners and Madonna fans to iTunes, where they could buy the new single and pre-order MDNA, scheduled to be released in March. The campaign helped make MDNA the biggest one-day pre-order in iTunes history. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment also partnered with NBC on unique promotional campaigns for its show The Voice and new series Smash; through content integration, promotional support, strategic media placement and social media integration across its powerful brands and platforms, Clear Channel helped propel The Voice to the No. 1 show of the evening and NBC’s highest-rating regular telecast in nearly five years, while Smash scored this season’s best ratings for any 10 p.m. drama across prime time networks.

The team also led the unprecedented “localized national” effort for American Express’s Small Business Saturday campaign, which had an enormous positive impact on small retailers nationwide; and the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas, the biggest live music event in radio history.

“Under John’s strong leadership and vision, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has integrated the company’s assets so that it is today the leading media and entertainment company in the U.S. with a greater reach than any other radio or television outlet. It provides a one-of-a-kind national platform for partners in addition to the powerful local activation market by market and demo by demo,” said Bob Pittman, CEO of Clear Channel. “He has built a deep creative and management team that is fulfilling the company’s commitment to offering the best entertainment, news, sports, and other experiences everywhere our listeners want us to be—on air, online, on mobile devices, and on a wide variety of emerging devices and platforms. We feel fortunate that Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has a leader like John in the driver’s seat at this transformational moment in its history.”

“I am pleased and honored to be named to this position, which is a clear endorsement of the soundness of our strategy, the value of our assets, and the depth of the incredible team we are building here,” said John Hogan. “I appreciate the energy and vision that Bob Pittman has brought to the organization and look forward to pursuing with Bob the vision we share as we continue to push the boundaries of the definition of entertainment, giving our audience what they want now and in the future.”

History of a Radio Industry Veteran

Named Clear Channel Radio’s President and CEO in August 2002, Hogan has led the company’s expansion beyond its broadcast radio roots into new businesses and new technologies. He has overseen the development of an infrastructure and culture that united Clear Channel’s 850 stations in 150 cities into a single integrated organization, transforming it into America’s only radio company that offers true local presence combined with national reach. With 238 million monthly listeners and 40 million monthly digital users, Clear Channel has a greater reach than any other radio or television outlet in the U.S. Clear Channel Radio was re-branded Clear Channel Media and Entertainment in January 2012.

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has multiple distribution platforms, including AM/FM stations, HD radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, iHeartRadio.com, the iHeartRadio mobile application on iPads and smartphones, the company’s individual radio station websites and navigation systems from TomTom, Garmin and others. Hogan also has driven the company’s strategy to support advertising partners, labels, and artists with creative, integrated marketing campaigns that reach target audiences across multiple platforms.

Hogan’s unwavering focus on talent has led directly to Clear Channel’s unmatched lineup of on-air personalities – from Ryan Seacrest to Rush Limbaugh, Steve Harvey and Elvis Duran. He also is responsible for the company’s leadership in programming, including innovative, one-of-a-kind services for Clear Channel’s best-in-the-industry programmers.

Hogan’s vision for the radio industry has been honed and cultivated over more than two decades of hands-on radio broadcasting experience, beginning in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, where he started his career as an account executive with Meredith Broadcasting. In 1989, Hogan was promoted to General Manager and became Market Manager of the Atlanta group in 1994. Two years later, he was appointed Senior Vice President for Radio at Jacor Communications, where he was instrumental in significantly expanding its radio holdings. In 1999, Clear Channel Communications acquired Jacor and expanded Hogan’s responsibilities to include urban hubs, such as Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and Dallas. After just two years with Clear Channel, Hogan was named Chief Operating Officer, becoming Chief Executive Officer the following year (2002).

As a pioneering leader in the radio industry, Hogan’s many accolades include recognition by Billboard in its 2012 “Power 100 List” and by Radio Ink as No. 1 in its “40 Most Powerful People in Radio” in 2009 and 2010 and No. 2 in 2011 (after Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman).

Hogan has served on the boards of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), the Advertising Council, American Women In Radio and Television (AWRT), and the Emma L. Bowen Foundation for Minority Interest in Media. Hogan graduated from Lake Forest College in 1979.

Clear Channel’s Worldwide Multi-Platform Promotion Of Madonna’s New Single “Give Me All Your Luvin’” Helps Propel MDNA Album To No. 1 On iTunes, Drives Record-Breaking Sales

Day One Advance Album Sales Higher Than Any Other Artist Pre-order in iTunes History

New York, NY – February 9, 2012 – Clear Channel’s worldwide multi-platform promotion of Madonna’s new single “Give Me All Your Luvin'” helped to propel the iconic superstar’s album  MDNA to no. 1 on iTunes and drove record-breaking advance sales.

Last Friday, February 3, Clear Channel, a leading global media and entertainment company, world premiered Madonna’s highly anticipated new single and video, “Give Me All Your Luvin’,” across its full range of media platforms, including radio, outdoor, online and mobile.  As part of the campaign, Clear Channel used extensive on-air and online promotions to drive listeners and Madonna fans to iTunes, where they could buy the new single and pre-order MDNA, scheduled to be released in March.

Campaign Propels Album to No. 1 on iTunes, Drives Advance Sales

The campaign, which marked a first-of-its-kind worldwide promotion by Clear Channel, helped make MDNA the biggest one-day pre-order in iTunes history and by day three, MDNA ranked at No. 1 in iTunes stores in 50 countries.

“Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s global reach on the Madonna launch was unprecedented, and we couldn’t be more excited about our partnership,” said Brenda Romano, President of Promotion Interscope Geffen and A&M.  “Their willingness to work with us on every element of the simultaneous, multi-platform campaign -- everywhere Madonna fans are -- exceeded our expectations and was instrumental in driving pre-sale of Madonna's new album MDNA.”

“You cannot overstate the impact that Clear Channel's Madonna campaign had on the Madonna pre-order on iTunes during Super Bowl Weekend, as we experienced the largest first day preorder ever for an Interscope artist,” said Gary Kelly, Vice President of Sales Interscope Geffen and A&M.

“We felt the amazing power of Clear Channel worldwide, they clearly have the muscle to create an event program,” said Guy Oseary, Madonna’s Manager.  “The results speak for themselves… we are very happy."

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, with its 238 million monthly listeners in the U.S., has the largest reach of any radio or television outlet in America.  The new single aired simultaneously across more than 100 Clear Channel radio stations in major U.S. markets including Z100 and KTU in New York and KIIS FM in Los Angeles as well as Clear Channel stations in Australia and New Zealand and via Global Radio’s Capital FM Network in the UK.  At the same time, the full-length, four-minute music video of “Give Me All Your Luvin’” ran on Clear Channel spectacular digital billboards worldwide, including in iconic, high-visibility locations like New York City’s Times Square, Las Vegas, London’s Piccadilly Circus, La Defense in Paris, Oslo Central Station in Norway, and Helsinki, Finland.

The campaign was also displayed across more than 1,600 Clear Channel-owned digital billboards around the world, and a “Madonna Radio” online channel was available on the homepage of iHeartRadio.com and on the company's individual local radio station websites.

“We’re thrilled to help contribute to the success of Madonna’s new album MDNA,” said Tom Poleman, President of Clear Channel National Programming Platforms.  “Our goal was to use Clear Channel's multi-media platform to create a massive international pop culture event on a scale that's never been done before.  And we're excited to see how quickly and passionately our listeners responded.”

On-Air Premiere