24/7 Online Artist Channels Point to Radio's Future

Musicians want to connect with fans, and radio needs to survive in the Web 2.0 era: Enter artist personal experience (a.p.e.) radio. Clear Channel launches the 24/7 online channels, featuring artists’ personal radio shows, next month. “We feel that the old model of trying to get radio airplay and some video play is broken,” the CEO of Front Line Management, a partner in the venture, told Billboard.

“We want artists to host the channels, tell stories and turn new fans on to new music,” says a Clear Channel exec. Christina Aguilera, Weezer, and the Eagles will be the pioneers; in addition to songs they choose, their stations will feature interviews and commentary. The ad-supported channels will be available on Clear Channel websites, artist websites, and smartphone applications. (More Internet radio stories.)