Apple achieves radio iTunes deal

IDG News Service — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:47:18 -0700

Apple has achieved a landmark deal with a major US radio technology solutions provider designed to link iTunes to radio station playlists.

Emmis Interactive has announced a licensing agreement with the iTunes Store to market its custom Emmis Storefront technology to other radio stations and media companies.

The Emmis Storefront technology, used exclusively to date by Emmis Communications radio stations, allows a station to build a storefront with a look and feel that is consistent with its over-the-air product. This enables listeners to easily find and purchase songs they are hearing on-air using their own Apple iTunes account.

"Many station websites direct you to another site to purchase music and require credit card information, making the buying experience very cumbersome," Emmis Interactive co-president Rey Mena explained.

"Our custom Storefront technology empowers a radio station to configure a station-branded storefront utilizing iTunes' entire six million-song catalogue. These storefronts allow listeners to shop from playlists of station artists as well as top picks recommended by on-air talent."

The Emmis Interactive Storefront has been among the top five affiliates directing traffic to the iTunes Store since it launched in 2006, the company said.