Clear Channel Media and Entertainment says that KCRW, a Los Angeles-based public radio station with a worldwide fan base, and KUSC, one of the largest and most listened to public radio stations in the country, will be available on iHeartRadio beginning next month. This adds to a similar move in October to add premier programming from WNYC-FM NYC, the nation’s most listened-to public radio station, including three news-talk shows: “The Brian Lehrer Show,” “The Leonard Lopate Show,” and “The Takeaway,” a co-production of WNYC and Public Radio International (PRI).
KCRW is one of the most respected broadcast stations in the world, featuring an eclectic mix of independent music, news, talk and arts programming. KCRW is a cultural center for Los Angeles’ sprawling city. The station offers original programming dedicated to highlighting the best of everything with a passionate approach – from food and film to music and news. KCRW’s groundbreaking music shows are curated by a pool of talented on-air personalities, who personally pick every track they play. Artists like Adele, Beck, Coldplay and rising star Gotye all made their live U.S. radio performance debuts on KCRW.
KCRW’s Rachel Reynolds tells RBR-TVBR all three of the station’s streams will be offered: On Air, Eclectic24 and All News.
“KCRW is always looking for exciting partnership opportunities knowing that even among hundreds of radio stations, what we offer is entirely unique,” said Jennifer Ferro, KCRW GM. “By combining our compelling content and iHeartRadio’s vast reach, we’re inviting a new audience to discover and engage with KCRW.”
RBR-TVBR observation: This is a good move for both KCRW and iHeartRadio. KCRW’s media player did not work on many phones, as it required a Flash download that wasn’t workable with a good number of smartphone operating systems. iHeartRadio will get the stream out there to many who didn’t have it before—and sell advertising against it as well.
