Clear Channel enters the mobile arena

Clear Channel Communications is planning to offer snippets of originally produced radio programs, local weather and traffic information to U.S. mobile phone users by the end of this year.

They are making deals with cell phone providers to allow customers to download Clear Channel content, their objective is to modernize the traditional radio business by finding new distribution outlets for programming.

Wireless music access was not in their plans, but they do mention subscription services such as song purchasing directly from local station websites by this summer.