Clear Channel Offers Pandora-Style 'Stations'

Broadcasting giant Clear Channel Radio, aiming to increase its online clout, is upgrading its iHeartRadio.com website to let users create "custom stations" similar to the ones offered by Pandora.

Clear Channel, owned by CC Media Holdings, is the largest radio chain in the country. The new iHeartRadio.com, like the old one, lets users listen to simulcasts of all 800 Clear Channel stations, including New York City pop station Z100 and 103 Jamz out of Norfolk, Va., a station that plays hip-hop. The upgrades rolled out let users create "stations" based on a particular performer. A Bob Dylan station, for instance, plays songs Mr. Dylan and similar artists, whether musicians who have played with him such as the Band or contemporaries like the Byrds. Pandora has become popular thanks to a similar service, though high royalty costs have hindered its profitability, according to filings the company made around its June public stock offering. Clear Channel said its service draws from 11 million songs, compared with the 900,000 Pandora recently said it offers.