iHeartRadio introduces new digital Christmas station, "A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS RADIO," Celebrating 25 years of the iconic ALBUM SERIES
Press Release
New York, 27 November, 2012 - Special
Olympics, an international organization that changes lives through
the power of sport for people with intellectual disabilities, and
Clear Channel Communities™, the community engagement brand
of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and iHeartRadio, today
announced the launch of a multi-platform campaign commemorating 25
years of the "A Very Special Christmas" album series, the
single most successful benefit recording series in musical
history, which has generated more than $109
million in royalties to support Special
Olympics.
It was also announced today that Clear Channel's
iHeartRadio digital radio platform is launching an exclusive digital radio
station that features the entire collection of "A
Very Special Christmas," with songs by U2, Madonna, Sting,
Bon Jovi, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Sheryl Crow,
Mary J. Blige, No Doubt, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and the
Heartbreakers, Vanessa Williams, Bryan Adams and more, all of whom
have contributed to previous albums. The station will also
include all-new songs from this year's two-album releases, A
Very Special Christmas "25th Anniversary "Joy To
The World" on Big Machine Records & A Very Special
Christmas "Bringing Peace on Earth" on Word Records.
The all-new iHeartRadio holiday digital station will be promoted
across all of Clear Channel's 850 radio stations, reaching 239
million monthly US listeners, with a series of public service
announcements that combine Special Olympics athlete stories with
information on how to access the free station at
iHeartRadio.com. The spots also feature a number of
celebrities and recording artists, including Ryan Seacrest, Martina
McBride, Train, Hunter Hayes, Michelle Kwan and Vanessa
Williams. In addition, a 30-minute public affairs radio
special is set to air across multiple formats during the month of
December, featuring audio from Special Olympics Chairman and CEO
Timothy Shriver and Special Olympics athletes, among others.
The Clear Channel campaign is valued at over $6 million in media
support.
"iHeartRadio is giving our listeners a special holiday gift by
offering them the opportunity to listen to all of their favorite
multi-genre "A Very Special Christmas" songs on one free, easy to
use platform," said Jessica King, Director of Community Engagement
for Clear Channel. "Our on-air holiday campaign will
encourage listeners to visit iHeartRadio, where they can find and
enjoy the holiday songs they love, and be inspired to purchase this
year's 25th anniversary albums in support of
Special Olympics."
"We could not be more grateful to Clear Channel for their
support of this album series, which is so important to our Special
Olympics athletes," said Peter Wheeler, Special Olympics Chief of
Strategic Properties. "Thanks to this partnership, we will
reach millions of Clear Channel listeners who will learn about the
legacy from the 'A Very Special Christmas' album series that
continues to sustain our work to bring the joy of sport to people
with intellectual disabilities worldwide."
"This is an album that everyone is so proud of and we're equally
thrilled that Clear Channel has embraced this music and will
utilize across their entire media, entertainment and iHeartRadio
platforms. So many great artists, creative executives and
fantastic companies have come together and given their support,"
said Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label
Group in Nashville. "Every single sale is a victory for
Special Olympics."
Since 1987, the biggest and brightest voices in the recording
industry have generously lent their time and talents to Special
Olympics to create the holiday album series "A Very Special
Christmas," the single most successful benefit recording series in
musical history. Learn more about 'A Very Special Christmas'
at www.averyspecialchristmas.org.
Listen to the all-new iHeartRadio holiday digital station at: http://www.iheart.com/#/live/6142/
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes
lives through the power of sport by empowering people with
intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and
fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide.
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics
movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to 4 million
athletes in 170 countries worldwide, providing year-round sports
training, athletic competition and related programs. Special
Olympics takes place daily, changing the lives of people with
intellectual disabilities all over the world. Special Olympics
provides people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to
realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate
courage, and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics
at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @specialolympics;
fb.com/specialolympics; youtube.com/specialolympicshq, and
specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com
About Clear Channel Media and
Entertainment:
With 239 million monthly listeners in the U.S., Clear Channel
Media and Entertainment has the largest reach of any radio or
television outlet in America. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment
serves 150 cities through 850 owned radio stations. The company's
radio stations and content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD
digital radio channels, Sirius/XM satellite, on the Internet at iHeartRadio.com and on the
company's radio station websites, on the iHeartRadio mobile
application on iPads and smartphones, and used via navigation
systems from TomTom, Garmin and others.
The company's operations include radio broadcasting, online and
mobile services and products, live concerts and events,
syndication, music research services and independent media
representation. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment is a division
of CC Media Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: CCMO), a leading global media
and entertainment company. More information on the company can be
found at clearchannel.com, clearchanneloutdoor.com and ccmediaholdings.com.
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/iHeartRadio
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/iHeartRadio
CONTACT:
Jessica King
Clear Channel
jessicaking@clearchannel.com
Mandy Murphy
Special Olympics
mamurphy@specialolympics.org
Diana Baron
D. Baron Media Relations
diana@dbaronmedia.com
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