New iHeartRadio auto integrations

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iHeart RadioAt CES, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment said the integrations include new Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Kia vehicles.  In addition to these OEMs, iHeartRadio will also be available via platform solution provider Bosch. The application includes large text and touch targets, intuitive menu functions that incorporate the current habits of car radio users, and an interface designed to reduce distracting light during nighttime driving.


iHeartRadio’s auto applications offer simple and seamless access to iHeartRadio’s digital service.  In 2014, Jaguar Land Rover vehicles equipped with Bosch SoftTec’s innovative InControl Apps platform, Volvo vehicles equipped with the Sensus Connect infotainment solution and Kia vehicles with UVO will have access to more than 1,500 live radio stations and user-created custom stations inspired by listeners’ favorite artists and songs anywhere they are.  Drivers will also be able to access iHeartRadio’s newest feature, iHeartRadio Talk, which offers the best on-demand news, talk and entertainment content available today right from the vehicle’s dashboard.  Plus, a variety of other iHeartRadio features will be accessible in-dash, including thumbs up/thumbs down, station scan and its music discovery tuner.

Also at CES, iHeartRadio and QNX Software Systems, a leader in software platforms for in-car electronics, will showcase an automotive-focused demonstration in the North Hall. More information on this demo will be made available this week.

“Radio is the original mobile, in-car entertainment feature,” said Brian Lakamp, President of Digital for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. “With the new advancements in automotive infotainment systems, Clear Channel is able to extend the reach of our radio stations to even more listeners. We’re extremely pleased to work with Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Kia to bring iHeartRadio to their dashboards, as well as be available in Bosch’s deeper extension into consumer-facing functionality — providing even more listeners with the products and services they expect no matter where they are and no matter where they drive.”

iHeartRadio is also available in select Chrysler, Ford, GM, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan and Toyota vehicles, as well as after-market head units including Clarion, JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer.

RBR-TVBR observation: iHeart to date represents traditional radio’s best effort so far to keep listeners listening via mobile devices. It doesn’t matter how the content is delivered, just that people are listening to what our stations are playing. It all goes to the bottom line in terms of ratings and advertising. CCME still has the loudspeaker of 850 stations to cross-promote its service and it’s now in many cars, in the dash. Look for Cumulus to ramp up similar efforts with Rdio as well.