Clear Channel says it will cut down on commercials

How often does your favorite radio station air commercials? Long blocks of advertisements have been a widespread trend in radio and has likely led many listeners to "station hop." However, relief may be on the way.

Clear Channel, one of the Salt Lake radio market's largest companies, has launched a nationwide initiative called the "less is more plan" that will reduce the amount of commercials and promotional inventory on its radio stations.

Affected are the company's seven local stations — KURR (FM-99.5), KZHT (FM-97.1), KODJ (FM-94.1), KCPX (FM-105.7), KOSY (FM-106.5), KNRS (AM-570) and KALL (AM-700) — as well as its many other stations nationwide.

This new policy means the company will air anywhere from 20 percent to 30 percent fewer commercial minutes each hour on all of its radio stations.

"Clutter is a major issue in our industry, and our decision to limit the amount of commercial time and length of breaks, while reducing promotional interruptions, will benefit listeners, advertisers and the industry as a whole," said John Hogan, CEO of Clear Channel Radio.

"Despite radio's great underlying listener trends, and the fragmentation in other media, radio is still discounted relative to other media," Hogan continued. "We are taking this step to close that gap and make radio more competitive, compelling, effective and valuable. And we actively encourage the rest of the industry to do the same."

Salt Lake City market manager Stu Stanek said, "Clear Channel is taking the leadership role in our industry. Today consumers have many more choices of media, such as satellite, Internet and MP3 players. We are taking the lead to add back more programming content and thereby create a more competitive product in the face of changing technology."

Some other radio companies have already cut back their commercial blocks. Does that mean it will be an industry trend? Will listeners notice a difference? Stay tuned.

• THE 'MUSIC PROFESSOR' PASSED AWAY — Ed Wright, alias "The Music Professor" for more than 20 years on KODJ (FM-94.1), died Aug. 25 after a long illness.

Ed's knowledge of rock 'n' roll was legendary and his deep voice was one of his trademarks. He had a special passion for sharing his knowledge of oldies music with listeners.

"We will miss hearing Ed on the radio, but, more than that — we will miss his smile and heart of gold," Rob Boshard, KODJ's program director, said.