Clear Channel signs up WMG

BUNNY BUSINESS: Clear Channel, which has made a series of direct deals with individual labels in recent months, has just locked down its first major music group, WMG, in a multi-platform revenue-sharing partnership. The most noteworthy aspect of the deal is the creation of “programs to dedicate commercial time specifically to launch new music by providing new song exposure through both an enhanced and a first-ever guaranteed and prioritized version of Clear Channel's Artist Integration Program, which will deliver carefully timed and continuing promotion.” It’ll be interesting to see what form this dedicated programming takes. According to CC top dog Bob Pittman, “This is a win for all parties: for artists, who will enjoy heightened and guaranteed exposure; for their fans, who will find them in more places than ever before; for consumers, who will have the enhanced ability to find and listen to music wherever and whenever they want; and for WMG, Clear Channel and all of us participating in the new digital marketplace." (9/12a)