ClearChannel implements iTunes tagging
April 7th 2008
On October 7 of last year, IGM reported that CBS Radio, Clear Channel, Cumulus, Cox, Entercom and Greater Media were in the process of implementing iTunes Tagging technology, which allows users to purchase content they heard on the radio from the iTunes Store.
Today, Twice reports that HD-radio iTunes tagging officially launched today, as Clear Channel Radio began broadcasting over 340 stations that allow listeners to bookmark their favorite songs for purchase or review at a later time.
"You hear something on the air, you press the tag button, and the next time you sync to iTunes you can purchase it or find out more about it," said Jeff Littlejohn, executive VP, distribution and development, Clear Channel. "It marries two things that have just been dying to get together. About 65 percent of new music is discovered on broadcast radio, not satellite radio and not Internet radio. And, more and more, the way people buy music is through these electronic stores. This just puts those two things together."
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Special radios are required for the feature, and the first of these--the $499 Polk I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 shipped in March to retailers and is available via the online Apple Store and brick-n-mortar store fronts. JBL and others are expected to offer similar kit, and Alpine (this month) and Dual (July) will soon offer iTunes tagging car radios.
Editor's note: Let coiffured and self-important scoff at and criticize McDonalds, Starbucks or, for that matter, Apple all they want because one consistent, high-quality user experience available everywhere is how to rule world.
At this point, has the iTunes Store become unassailable? Can any stop let alone slow down the Apple juggernaut?
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