Clear Channel: The largest radio ownership group/entertainment conglomerate in the entire world.
-They own over 1500 radio stations in the US alone, constantly spinning off new companies so they don't have to worry about Radio Monopoly Law. In doing this, they have cost literally thousands of radio DJs their jobs, by having talent in larger markets provide the voices you hear on the radio to smaller markets. CC also carries some of the largest syndicated shows in the nation, also taking jobs away from local personalities.
-Concert Promotions: Clear Channel owns fully or partially; or programs (books) for 99 major concert/music venues in the USA alone, including Starlake and Chevy Ampitheatre in Pittsburgh, and Hershey Star Pavilion, Tweeter Centre by the Waterfront, and The Electric Factory in Philly. Other major venues include The United Center (Chicago), FleetCenter (Boston), The Palace At Auburn Hills (Detroit), Verizon Wireless Music Center (Kansas City), Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (San Antonio), and many more. They also have several worldwide venues.
TRANSLATION: If you don't pay Clear Channel, your band ain't playing any of those arenas, no matter how big you are.
-Television: CC owns 41 Television stations, from Los Angeles to Binhamton, NY, including 2 in Harrisburg (WHP-TV and WLYH-TV). They are in the process of buying more.
You can find out more by visiting
www.clearchannel.com
Let me sum it up this way: If ClearChannel moves into our area, shows like Q-94's "Backyard Rocker" and Rocky1049's "Mandatory Metal" will never exist again. ClearChannel is the biggest threat to unsigned bands in the history of music.
Dood...