Clear Channel Communications (NYSE: CCU) is a media company based in the United States of America. Clear Channel, founded in 1972 by Lowry Mays and Red McCombs, wields considerable influence in radio broadcasting, concert promotion and hosting, and fixed advertising in the United States through its subsidiaries.

The company owns over 1,200 full-power AM, FM, and shortwave radio stations and more than 30 television stations in the United States, among other media outlets in other countries. The present head of the company is Mark Mays and its headquarters is located in San Antonio, Texas.

The term "clear channel" comes from AM broadcasting, referring to a channel (frequency) on which only one station transmits.

History

Clear Channel Communications purchased its first FM station in San Antonio in 1972. They purchased the second "clear channel" AM station WOAI in 1975. In 1986, the company purchased its first stations outside of San Antonio. In 1992, the U.S. Congress relaxed radio ownership rules slightly, allowing the company to acquire more than 2 stations per market. By 1995, they owned 43 radio stations and 16 television stations. In 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 became law. This act deregulated media ownership, allowing a company to own more stations than previously. Clear Channel went on a buying spree, purchasing more than 70 other media companies, plus individual stations.

In a few cases, following purchase of a competitor, Clear Channel was forced to divest some of their stations, as they were above the legal thresholds in some cities. In 2005 the courts ruled that Clear Channel must also divest themselves of some "border blaster" radio stations in international border cities. One such instance was that of the nation's first alternative rock radio station, 91X in Tijuana, Baja California/San Diego.

Businesses

Clear Channel has purchased interest in, or outright acquired companies in a number of media or advertising related industries. This is not an exhaustive list.