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If a single radio station is a business, then what is a group of radio stations in a city, state, or across the country? Today's consolidated marketplace has transformed individual radio stations into major multinational corporations. At the next level beyond the station or station group is the corporation that owns the station. You may find it very interesting to visit one of these corporation's web sites and learn about the company and see how it is structured. As an example, let's look at Clear Channel Communication, www.clearchannel.com. By searching their web site, you'll find that Clear Channel Communication owns a broad base of no less than 15 different businesses besides owning over 1,200 radio stations. These businesses include magazine publishing with Inside Radio; the national media representation firm Katz Media, representing radio, television, cable television, and Internet web sites; and Prophet Systems that designs and builds custom live-assist and automation systems for radio stations. In addition to these holdings Clear Channel Outdoor owns over 500,000 outdoor displays (billboards) across the U.S. and throughout the world. Clear Channel Entertainment owns, operates, and/or exclusively books 135 live entertainment venues, and 30 venues in Europe. In 2001 Clear Channel Entertainment generated nearly 70 percent of the concert ticket sales in the U.S. The Theater and Family Entertainment division operates 16 theaters in the U.S. and 22 in the UK. Clear Channel theatrical productions have earned 41 Tony Awards. Clear Channel also is involved in sports and sports management. The Motorsports division stages over 650 events a year, including Supercross, USHRA Monster Truck Jam, IHRA Drag Racing, and others. In 2001 Clear Channel acquired the International Hot Rod Association, a premier drag racing series. Clear Channel also owns SFX Sports Group which represents approximately 500 professional athletes including such athletes as Andre Agassi, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Andy Roddick, and Greg Norman. Simply put, a student taking a position with Clear Channel Communication is not just working for a radio station. The student is working for the world's largest "out of home" entertainment company. Suggest that your students take some time to visit the web sites of Clear Channel Communication, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, and Cox Radio, Inc. and learn about the industry they are considering for a career. As an interesting exercise, have them see if they can find the company's stock price quoted on their web site. Some web sites for you to visit include:
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