Philanthropy

Clear Channel Communities™ Announces Targeted Partnership With Big Brothers Big Sisters Of New York City

Z100, Q104.3, 103.5 KTU, 106.7 Lite FM And Power 105.1 Donate Over $1 Million In Media To Attract New “Bigs” To Mentor City's Youth

New York, NY – April 3, 2012 – Clear Channel Communities, the community engagement brand of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO) that champions for critical issues and causes by educating and inspiring communities to make a difference, today announced a dynamic, multi-platform partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, the local chapter of the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network.

The three-month long collaboration will include a series of approximately 2,700 public service announcements [PSAs] and span five top-rated Clear Channel Media and Entertainment New York stations including Z100, Q104.3, 103.5 KTU, 106.7 Lite FM and Power 105.1.  The campaign will highlight the real need for mentors, with a targeted focus on African American and Hispanic men in their early 20s to mid-30s, and aid the organization in matching volunteers (“Bigs”) with children in the program (“Littles”) to facilitate positive relationships that will have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

This campaign represents the first time that all Clear Channel New York stations have collectively come together to promote one local organization for an extended period of time.  The market-wide focus and support of Big Brothers Big Sisters follows an extensive and streamlined application process that allows local nonprofits to apply for more than $1 million in local media support each quarter.

“Clear Channel New York has a rich history of addressing the issues and concerns of our local community and has aided thousands of nonprofit groups over the years,” said Joe Puglise, President and Market Manager, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, New York.  “As we look to enhance our impact in the New York community, we believe sharpening our focus each quarter will allow us to make a more significant and measurable impression, in addition to continuing to support other company-wide efforts.” 

This unique collaboration emerges at a time when mentors are in short supply.  According to Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, more than 500,000 children in the community currently live below the poverty line, including 149,000 children from single-parent families.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City serves more than 3,500 of these children each year, and Clear Channel Communities shares their vision of extending this positive impact to every New York City child who wants or needs a mentor.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is thrilled to align with Clear Channel Communities in support of this very important initiative.  Together we can reach substantially more potential volunteers and donors,” said Hector Batista, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.  “Thanks to Clear Channel’s commitment and extensive reach into the New York community, we will be able to help even more New York City children in need.”

“We are excited to join forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City and to help facilitate mentorships for local, at-risk youths,” said Puglise.  “We hope to make an impact on the lives of children in all five boroughs with our targeted outreach and help a terrific partner like Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City meet the changing needs of the diverse populations in our city.”

Learn more about the partnership between Clear Channel Communities and Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City at z100.com, ktu.com, 1067litefm.com, power1051fm.com or q1043.com, keyword: Big.  Visit bigsnyc.org for more information and to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s oldest and NYC’s largest youth mentoring organization, has served the changing needs of New York City’s most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges – including immigrant youth, teen mothers and children of incarcerated parents – as well as the Workplace Mentoring Program, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentor-based programs and organizations.

Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city’s most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models – dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. To learn more, become a mentor and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.

Clear Channel Communities™ Selects DonorsChoose.org as Inaugural Non-Profit Partner

National Campaign Will Encourage Listeners to Contribute to Innovative, Award-Winning Education Charity that Benefits Local Teachers

Chase to Help Match Listeners’ Donations

New York, NY – January 18, 2012 – Clear Channel Communities™, the recently launched community engagement brand of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO) that galvanizes local radio and outdoor resources to educate and inspire residents to make a difference within their own communities, today announced that it has selected DonorsChoose.org, the award-winning non-profit dedicated to funding local teachers’ classroom projects, as its first quarter partner.

“Tools for Classrooms,” a collaboration between Clear Channel Communities, DonorsChoose.org and Chase, the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., is designed to bring attention to the lack of educational resources in classrooms across the country.

Each quarter, Clear Channel Communities will spotlight a leading national non-profit organization that is working to address critical issues and causes primarily in one of four focus areas: family and social impact; health and wellness; education and literacy; and music and arts.

The partnership with DonorsChoose.org reflects Clear Channel’s ongoing commitment to support local communities across the country, and builds on the company’s work with thousands of non-profits each year through national and local public service campaigns that resonate at the grassroots level.  The collaboration with Chase contributes to Clear Channel Communities’ goal to conduct integrated cause marketing campaigns that engage listeners and allow them to make an impact in their local community.

The “Tools for Classrooms” effort is a three-month radio campaign that will air nationally on 850 radio stations and reach 238 million monthly U.S. listeners from January 18 through April 8, 2012.  A series of more than 300,000 radio spots will feature celebrities and recording artists including Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, J.R. Martinez, Pitbull, LMFAO, Gym Class Heroes, Kris Allen and others to encourage listeners to contribute to DonorsChoose.org and learn more about how to address the lack of educational supplies in our nation’s public schools.

“I am really excited to partner with other great musicians in an effort to help teachers like my wife in communities all around the country,” said Kris Allen, platinum recording artist and 2009 American Idol winner.  “I have supported DonorsChoose.org for years and I love that the “Tools for Classrooms” initiative uses the enormous power of Clear Channel’s reach to get their listeners involved and to help fund worthy classroom projects in their own neighborhoods.”

As part of the campaign, Chase is serving as a major corporate partner in matching donations made by listeners. Chase and other partners will match each donation up to $50, for a total commitment of $250,000.

Approximately 40 percent of classrooms across the U.S. use DonorsChoose.org, an innovative online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.  Public school teachers from every corner of America post specific requests to support their classroom projects, ranging from pencils for a poetry writing unit, to violins for a school recital, to microscope slides for a biology class.  Visitors to the website decide which project they would like to support and DonorsChoose.org delivers materials to the school once a project reaches its funding goal. Contributors to DonorsChoose.org receive photos of their selected project taking place, a thank-you letter from the teacher, and a cost report showing how each dollar was spent.  Those who donate $50 or more receive hand-written thank you letters from students.

“Our partnership with DonorsChoose.org and Chase enables us to tackle U.S. education by directly addressing the specific needs of classrooms and teachers in local communities across the nation,” said Jessica King, Director of Community Engagement for Clear Channel.  “This program provides a perfect opportunity to activate Clear Channel’s broad reach, shared vision and local presence to benefit the neighborhoods our stations serve every day.”

“We are thrilled to team up with Clear Channel Communities and DonorsChoose.org to support this campaign, which is aligned with our larger philanthropic mission to invest in programs that focus on education,” said Kimberly B. Davis, President of the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.  “Clear Channel’s ability to reach millions of people in communities across the U.S. will help bring attention to the importance of a high-quality education, which every child deserves.  We are especially proud that this unique collaboration represents the first major matching campaign of its kind for DonorsChoose.org.”

JPMorgan Chase has donated more than $180 million to educational programs since 2005, and has donated more than $500 million to nonprofit organizations in the last five years.

"Through our partnership with Clear Channel we will reach millions of people from communities all across the country and encourage them to help teachers who are dedicated to educating kids right in their neighborhood – local teachers, local kids,” said Charles Best, CEO of DonorsChoose.org.  “Tens of thousands of students from every corner of America will receive essential educational materials, art supplies, sports equipment and more to improve their learning experience because of the generosity of companies like Clear Chanel and Chase.”

About DonorsChoose.org

Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need.  Public school teachers from every corner of America post requests, and individuals can give directly to the ones that inspire them. To date, 212,000 public and charter school teachers have used DonorsChoose.org to secure $102 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn.

About Chase

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2.3 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. Chase serves consumers and small businesses through 5,400 bank branches, 16,700 ATMs, mortgage offices, and online and mobile banking as well as through relationships with auto dealerships and schools and universities. Chase also has issued more than 90 million credit cards. More information about Chase is available at www.chase.com.

Launch of Clear Channel Communities™ Enhances Company’s Ongoing Commitment to Making a Difference

Radio Stations Use Cross-Company Effort to Add to Their Already Robust Local Community Support

New York, NY – January 17, 2012 – CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media, digital and entertainment company, today announced the launch of a community engagement brand that will build upon the company’s already robust and diverse community efforts.  Clear Channel has always embraced the important role that it plays in communities across the nation.  With a strong presence in radio, and a consistent company-wide dedication to serving the needs of the communities in which they live and work, Clear Channel Communities™ will now add an additional layer of resources and focus to fuel even greater community impact. 

Clear Channel Communities is designed to increase the impact of Clear Channel’s already extensive ongoing local philanthropic efforts.  The program will be headed by local market managers with support from a national executive team, including Clear Channel Media and Entertainment CEO John Hogan and a new community engagement department led by Jessica King, the company's Director of Community Engagement, that will provide counsel and share best company-wide practices for effective cause marketing programs.  Local Advisory Boards [LABS], which consist of local community, government and educational leaders and are in place in Clear Channel's local markets, will continue to actively guide Clear Channel’s support to the most relevant local issues facing individual communities.

“Our Local Advisory Boards have always been a guiding light in helping to effectively serve our communities and to truly understand the issues that need to be addressed,” said Joe Puglise, President and Market Manager, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, New York.  “The addition of Clear Channel Communities is testament to Clear Channel’s ongoing commitment to making a difference in each of the markets we serve, and I welcome the counsel and additional resources it will provide in supporting the needs of the New York area.”

The mission of Clear Channel Communities is to galvanize local radio and outdoor resources to educate and inspire residents to make a difference within their own communities.  Clear Channel Communities will also aim to roll up the company’s local efforts into national campaigns on occasions where scale can help create additional impact.

“Clear Channel has always had a heightened level of commitment to local communities with an approach unmatched by any other company," said John Hogan, CEO Clear Channel Media and Entertainment.  "Clear Channel Communities and our new community engagement organization will now add another level of support that will balance our local access and strong community ties with the ability to band together millions of people across the country.  We believe addressing the issues – big or small – that affect people’s daily lives is an important foundation for effecting greater change.”

The new effort also includes the launch of a national website, http://communities.clearchannel.com, to provide a place for listeners and users to learn about the collective impact of Clear Channel and to direct them locally to get involved.

Four core areas of focus

Throughout the year, Clear Channel Communities will work with stations across the country to spotlight thousands of local and national non-profit organizations that are working to address critical issues and causes, primarily in four core areas: family and social impact; health and wellness; education and literacy; and music and arts.

Local markets will support many large and small groups by: providing media inventory in the form of radio and digital PSAs or billboard inventory; championing the missions of various non-profit groups; supporting local events like walk-a-thons, fundraising events, and supply drives; taking action in communities facing disasters; advocating for various national and local issues; engaging local officials and decision makers through LABs; and taking on countless initiatives throughout the year that affect cities across the country.

A new way for non-profits to work with Clear Channel

The introduction of Clear Channel Communities will also affect the way non-profit organizations can work with the media company.  Non-profits have historically built strong alliances with their local Clear Channel radio stations and Clear Channel Outdoor representatives, enabling them to further their missions at the local level.  These strong relationships will now be amplified with added support from Clear Channel Communities.

Organizations will now also be able to participate in a streamlined application process that will provide an opportunity to compete for multi-market support.  Each quarter, Clear Channel will award one leading non-profit  a three-month national campaign across 150 markets that will consist of an average of 300,000+ radio spots; include unique online user experiences; local engagement; and the opportunity to utilize the company’s outdoor properties to further drive the message.  These national, three-month campaigns have the capability to reach the vast population of the U.S.

Maximizing service to our communities

“Clear Channel is no ordinary company and Clear Channel Communities is no ordinary community engagement effort,” said Bob Pittman, CEO of Clear Channel.  “We are utilizing our scale to maximize the impact of this important part of our company's mission to serve our communities.  The new Clear Channel Communities reflects the magnitude of our existing philanthropic efforts and capitalizes on our unique ability to reach people wherever they might be, to educate them about critically important issues and inspire them to take action in their communities.”

Clear Channel leads media industry in community service

Clear Channel has long led the media and entertainment industry in the quantity and scope of its community-service programs at the local, regional and national levels.  Clear Channel is the largest single contributor among all media companies of donated advertising inventory dedicated to the Ad Council, the largest producer of national public service advertising campaigns in the U.S.

“Clear Channel’s ongoing commitment to the Ad Council, and to the many critical social issues addressed by our campaigns, has been extraordinary,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council.  “Clear Channel Communities is a wonderful extension of their commitment to communities throughout the country and we’re looking forward to working together to continue to move the needle on issues ranging from Autism Awareness to Hunger Prevention.”

Bob Pittman, Clear Channel CEO and Philanthropist, to Receive Top Honor from City of Hope

Los Angeles – December 6, 2011 – City of Hope’s Music and Entertainment Industry group announced today that it will honor Bob Pittman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Clear Channel, one of the leading media companies in America, with its 2012 Spirit of Life® Award. City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to an entertainment industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and altruistic achievement.

Pittman will receive The Spirit of Life Award in May 2012 at a unique, music-infused gala in California with special musical guest and DJ performances. Proceeds will benefit City of Hope.

In celebration of Pittman's selection as its 2012 Music and Entertainment Industry honoree, City of Hope has launched a six month fundraising initiative that will leverage Clear Channel Radio’s broad reach to showcase the power that radio has in communities across the country by engaging local listeners to action. The premise of the drive is to use music to incite emotion and evoke hope for the millions of people suffering from cancer and other critical diseases.

Pittman was named CEO of Clear Channel in October 2011. He is also a founding member of Pilot Group, LLC, a New York private investment firm, and is a highly regarded media innovator who has made a significant impact in a number of industries and companies. He led the team that created MTV and has served as CEO or chief operating officer of MTV Networks, America Online, Six Flags Theme Parks, Quantum Media, Century 21 Real Estate, Time Warner Enterprises and AOL Time Warner. Pittman is former chairman of the nonprofit Robin Hood Foundation, which fights poverty in New York City, and former chairman of the New York Public Theater, and still serves on both boards. He is also on the boards of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Alliance for Lupus Research and the New York City Ballet. Among other awards, Pittman has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame and received the International Radio and Television Society's Gold Medal and a Council of Fashion Designers of America Award. He was recognized in Life's "Five Original Thinkers of the '80s," Advertising Age's "50 Pioneers and Visionaries of TV" and "10 Marketers Who Changed American Culture."

“Bob Pittman embodies all that The Spirit of Life Award represents, and Clear Channel has been a longtime supporter of our initiatives, including Pink Channel, Play for Life, Taste of Hope and a variety of online auctions. From Live Aid to the recent iHeartRadio Music Festival, Bob has continually shaped American pop culture,” said Britta Bucholz, senior director of development, City of Hope. “He is a model humanitarian who uses his talents and success to make the world a better place.”

“I am honored to be the recipient of this year’s award and to use the power of radio, internet and music and entertainment for such a worthy cause,” Pittman added. “It is a privilege to represent the unparalleled work of City of Hope and all those who have been or will be affected by cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

About Music & Entertainment Industry Group

Inspired by the guiding humanitarian principles of City of Hope and motivated by the institution's commitment to innovative medical research and compassionate patient care, a group of key industry executives founded the Music and Entertainment Industry group in 1973. In its 38-year history, the group has raised over $96 million for City of Hope and has honored some of the most important figures in the music and entertainment industry. Recent past honorees include Irving Azoff, executive chairman, Live Nation, and wife, Shelli Azoff, Tim Leiweke, president and CEO, AEG, Doug Morris, chairman and CEO of UMG, and Bob Cavallo, chairman, Disney Music Group.

About City of Hope

City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org or follow City of Hope on facebook, twitter, youtube or flickr.

Fisher House Partners With Clear Channel Radio To Support And Honor Military Families

850 Radio Stations Participate in the Second Annual “Operation Fisher House”

Washington, D.C. - Nov. 4, 2011 – Fisher House Foundation, which constructs comfortable homes to provide free, temporary housing to the families of service members receiving medical care at VA and military hospitals around the world, announced today that it will receive continued media support from long-standing partner, Clear Channel Radio, this Veteran’s Day. 

Clear Channel, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any radio or television outlet, will launch the second annual Operation Fisher House, a powerful week-long national media campaign designed to raise awareness and funding for Fisher House and the military members they serve.

Beginning on Monday, Nov. 5, and running through Nov. 10, 2011, all 850 Clear Channel stations will promote the second annual Operation Fisher House and encourage listeners to tune-in to the main fundraising event on Veteran’s Day.  Clear Channel will encourage donations via online or text message to the Fisher House Foundation through live discussions, on-air mentions, interviews and a series of public service announcements.

“Clear Channel’s remarkable reach and continued support is an amazing force for our military families,” said Ken Fisher, Chairman of Fisher House Foundation.  “Fisher House and Clear Channel’s powerful message will help Veteran’s families across the United States.”   

Over the last two years Clear Channel has raised nearly $1 million for Fisher House and has collectively donated media valued at more than $5 million.

“Clear Channel is committed to addressing issues that engage and impact our listeners across the United States,” said Jessica King, Director, Community Engagement, Clear Channel.  “A recent study shows that more Americans are involved with supporting troops than any other social issue today, and it is important for Clear Channel to support organizations that our listeners care about like Fisher House.”

About Fisher House

Fisher House Foundation is best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. The Fisher Houses are 5,000 to 16,800 square-foot homes, donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs, where families can stay while a loved one is receiving treatment. Additionally, the Foundation ensures that families of service men and women wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are not burdened with unnecessary expense during a time of crisis.

Located in close proximity to the medical center or hospital it serves, each Fisher House consists of between 8 and 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, spacious dining room and an inviting living room with a library and toys for children. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is no fee to stay in a Fisher House. Since inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $165 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.

Fisher House Foundation operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members. To date, Hero Miles has provided over 25,000 airline tickets to our military and their families. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.

Clear Channel Gets In The Holiday Spirit With Its Annual National Contest, “Granting Your Christmas Wish”

Listeners Share Holiday Dreams In Hopes Of Inspiring Others To “Pay It Forward”

New York, NY – November 1, 2011 – Clear Channel Radio, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any radio or television outlet, is kicking-off the holiday season early this year with the launch of its fourth annual “Granting Your Christmas Wish” Contest. 

From November 1 through December 8, 2011, more than 100 Clear Channel stations will encourage listeners to share their wish requests via participating Clear Channel Radio station websites.  All participants will be required to submit a short paragraph stating why they should have their wish granted.  These requests will be judged based on a number of pre-set criteria, which include sincerity; persuasiveness; creativity; and need.  Stations will announce the winners on-air on a continuing basis from November 10 through December 8, 2011.  In addition to having their wishes granted, all winners will receive an Xbox 360 as part of their prize package.

This year will mark the fourth annual “Granting Your Christmas Wish” program.  Past years have attracted an array of selfless entries, from plane tickets to visit family and toys for a financially struggling family to delivering a giant holiday feast for a neighborhood in need.  All winning entries were broadcasted on-air in the winner’s hometown market.

“The program is designed to share the personal stories of participants with the goal of inspiring non-winners to give back and do something special in their own family or community,” said Darren Davis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of National Programming Platforms.  “This is much more than a contest – it is Clear Channel’s way of paying it forward in hopes that others will do the same.”

To enter this year’s “Granting Your Christmas Wish” contest, interested listeners can visit a participating station website and enter keyword “WISH.”   Participating stations include 107.5 WGCI in Chicago; BIG 98 Country WSIX in Nashville, Tenn.; Sunny 99.1 in Houston; 106.7 Lite FM in New York; Power 99 in Philadelphia; KOST 103.5 in Los Angeles; and 97.1 WASH-FM in Washington, D.C.

Clear Channel Supports Local Merchants Across America by Encouraging Listeners To Shop Small (SM) During Second Annual Small Business Saturday®

Clear Channel Stations Across 150 Markets Will Mobilize Listeners to Buy Local through Customized On-air Programming, Grassroots Advocacy, Social Media and Digital Initiative and Special Community Events

New York – October 24, 2011 – Clear Channel Radio, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any other radio or television outlet, today announced its support of the second annual Small Business Saturday (SBS), a national initiative to encourage people to shop at local, independently-owned merchants in their communities this November 26. Clear Channel’s participation, which will span 850 radio stations and reach 237 million monthly listeners, is part of the company’s commitment to support local communities across the country.

 “Clear Channel is participating in Small Business Saturday because local merchants are the lifeblood of the communities in which we live and work, and are integral to the health of our economy,” said John Hogan, CEO, Clear Channel Radio. “Our radio stations are deeply rooted in hundreds of distinct communities across the country. We are harnessing the power of our national voice, our relationships between on-air talent and loyal listeners and local community leaders, as well as our unique programming initiatives, to drive consumers to shop at their local small businesses this November 26th.”

“We are delighted that Clear Channel has chosen to join the growing movement behind Small Business Saturday,” said Maryann Fitzmaurice Reilly, senior vice-president of American Express OPEN. “American Express is the founding partner of Small Business Saturday and will be supporting this year’s efforts with robust marketing to encourage participation by consumers, community groups, corporations and independently-owned small businesses. Clear Channel’s deep presence in local markets and the resources they have committed to this effort will really help get the word out about the importance of small business to each community that they serve.”

Clear Channel’s Small Business Saturday (SBS) activities, which will launch on October 24 and run through November 26, are designed to educate listeners on the importance of independently-owned businesses, impact their sales, and drive value for merchants. Activities include:

 Public Interest Campaign – Beginning October 24, Clear Channel’s 850 radio stations will launch an on-air public interest campaign that includes a series of messages from select public officials as well as recent survey data affirming the important impact small businesses have on the economy.

On-Air Advocacy by Popular Station Personalities – Popular radio personalities will serve as influential advocates and drive listeners to action by championing SBS on-air and online, encouraging listeners to pledge to shop small on Facebook and buy local.

Local Small Business Stories – Local stations will develop and air compelling, market-specific radio spots that showcase local business success stories which show first-hand how these businesses fuel the economy and support our communities. The spots will include highly customized local stories that celebrate individual community merchants.

Social Media and Digital Integration – Clear Channel’s digital sites, including iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s industry-leading digital radio service, as well as individual radio station websites and Facebook pages, will feature dynamic Small Business Saturday digital content, including banners, pre-roll video, homepage takeovers and a digital countdown to SBS. Local stations will also deploy Twitter and Facebook to drive attendance to events in their communities.

Local Advisory Board Activities – Stations will activate their Local Advisory Boards, which are comprised of diverse civic leaders, elected officials and activists, to encourage members to spread the word about SBS and engage local government to do more to support small businesses.

Community Events – Clear Channel will support local Small Business Saturday events in a number of local markets through on-air mentions, promotions and station remotes hosted by Small Business Saturday’s coalition partner Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). Stations will also tweet updates from the activities.

“Our goal is to stimulate small business sales on the biggest shopping weekend of the year by reminding listeners of the impact on their communities,” added Hogan. “The campaign is also intended to give a bigger voice to small business owners.”

Fisher House Foundation Awards Clear Channel With One Of Its Highest Honors, The Patriot Award

Washington, D.C.  – September 14, 2011 – Fisher House Foundation, which constructs comfort homes to provide free, temporary housing to the families of service members needing medical care, recently presented its Patriot Award to Clear Channel Radio, in recognition of its ongoing support of the Fisher House mission.

Clear Channel, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any radio or television outlet, has collectively raised nearly $1 million for Fisher House over the past two years, the centerpiece of which is its company-wide Veterans Day initiative, a day-long awareness and fundraising effort.  Clear Channel has also aired public service announcements, interviews, on-site broadcasts from Fisher Houses and website content, with media exposure valued at more than $5 million.

“All of us at Clear Channel are proud of our commitment to the Fisher House and the many military families they serve.  Though we are a network of 850 radio stations across the United States, we pride ourselves on our local involvement,” said Clay Hunnicutt, Senior Vice President, Programming, Clear Channel Radio, who accepted the award.  “It is important to us that we're strong community partners in each of the 150 markets where our stations are located.  Our partnership with the Fisher House allows Clear Channel to make a difference in the lives of veteran families who live, work and play in our station’s neighborhoods.”

The Patriot Award was established in 2002 as a means to recognize individuals and organizations that have been exceptionally supportive of our military families.

“My uncle Zachary was honored with many titles during the course of his lifetime, but none were more important to him than that of ‘Patriot,’” said Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “We’re grateful to Clear Channel for the work they’ve done on behalf of our military families.”

Clear Channel Radio Announces Winners Of National "Get Discovered!" Talent Competition

Three Winning Acts from Across the U.S. Get Their Big Breaks -- Performing Live on National Television During the Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon -- Unsigned Artists Share Their Music To Build Awareness of the Fight Against Muscle Disease; Clear Channel Continues Its Support of MDA Through PSAs

San Antonio, Texas – August 24, 2011 – Clear Channel Radio, the leading media company in America with a greater reach in the U.S. than any radio or television company, today announced the winners of its second annual “Get Discovered!” talent search competition.  “Get Discovered!” is a part of Clear Channel’s ongoing commitment to providing emerging, independent musicians a platform to share original music with an engaged public audience.  The three winning acts earned the opportunity to perform live on television during the 2011 Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Labor Day Telethon on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. 

The online competition attracted over 7,800 unsigned music artists who entered via iHeartRadio.com, Clear Channel’s industry-leading digital radio service, or any of Clear Channel Radio’s participating stations’ websites.  Participants were ranked using the innovative media platform WHOOZNXT.COM, which tracked the growth of their digital fan base during the contest period.  The winners were then determined by a panel of music industry leaders.

The three winning bands that will perform live on national television during the 2011 MDA Telethon are:

One Step Away, Boston, Mass., Pop/Rock, www.facebook.com/onestepaway.

Brokedown Cadillac, Nashville, Tenn., Country, www.brokedowncadillac.com.

Rootdown, Eugene, Ore., Pop-Rock-Reggae, www.rootdownsound.com.

“The underlying purpose of ‘Get Discovered!’ is to ignite creativity among talented artists living in local communities across the U.S. while raising awareness of the fight against neuromuscular diseases,” said Clay Hunnicutt, Senior Vice President, Programming, Clear Channel Radio.  “The three winners are a clear indicator of the amazing pool of independent musicians living in all of our neighborhoods.  Through this competition, we empowered thousands of home-grown, undiscovered talent to share their original music for a great cause.”

“Thanks to Clear Channel Radio, the ‘Get Discovered!’ contest has become the ultimate head-to-head competition for unsigned music artists,” said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA President & CEO.  “We’re delighted the three truly outstanding artists who prevailed in this extraordinary national competition, which involved more than 7,800 artists, will have their first network television live performances on the MDA Labor Day Telethon, Sunday, September 4.  Tens of millions undoubtedly will respond enthusiastically to their breakthrough performances – especially since they’ll be helping MDA speed treatments and cures for progressive muscle diseases.”

The Telethon will air in every time zone from 6 p.m. to midnight on Sunday, Sept. 4, and will broadcast from the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas.

Clear Channel Radio’s 850 stations will continue to broadcast a series of public service announcements through Sunday, Sept. 4 as part of the company’s three-month commitment to the MDA and its ongoing dedication to improving the lives of people with neuromuscular diseases. 

About the MDA Telethon

The 46th annual MDA Labor Day Telethon will air on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011 on more than 150 television stations.  The six-hour primetime event will feature about 20 performances by some of the biggest names in show business.  Broadcast from 6:00 p.m. to midnight in every U.S. time zone, the show also will be streamed live online.  Co-hosts for the 2011 MDA Telethon are Nigel Lythgoe (American Idol + So You Think You Can Dance), Nancy O’Dell (Entertainment Tonight), Alison Sweeney (The Biggest Loser + author of The Mommy Diet), and Jann Carl (Emmy-winning journalist and independent producer).

About the MDA

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.  The Association also provides comprehensive healthcare and support services, advocacy and education.  See the award-winning MDA “Make A Muscle,Make A Difference” PSA.

In addition to funding more than 330 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of some 200 hospital-affiliated clinics; orchestrates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; facilitates extraordinary local summer camp opportunities for thousands youngsters fighting progressive muscle diseases.  Known globally for the MDA Labor Day Telethon, the Association is the first nonprofit to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association “for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity.”

ABOUT WHOOZNXT

WHOOZNXT.COM is the first and only media network that rewards emerging artists for growing their digital fanbase with real-world high-profile exposure opportunities for television, radio and live performances including ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” the Vans Warped Tour and the Dew Tour.