Radio station owner Cumulus buys into streaming service Rdio, upping online music competition

ATLANTA – Cumulus Media Inc., the second largest radio station owner in the country, is partnering with music streaming service Rdio (AR-dee-oh), stepping up competition with Clear Channel.

The deal gives Cumulus an undisclosed minority stake in Rdio parent Pulser Media. Clear Channel, the biggest radio station owner in the country, owns the iHeart Radio service.

Traditional radio station groups are doing all they can to stay relevant as listeners increasingly spend time on mobile devices.

No money is changing hands immediately in the deal. Cumulus will offer on-air promotion of Rdio such as commercial time or talk segments. Cumulus will also sell advertising for Rdio’s upcoming free streaming service, expected by the end of the year, and provide exclusive content to Rdio, such as its Nash country music channel.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles