From CNN Money: "Citadel Broadcasting Corporation announced today the appointment of John Rosso to Senior Vice President in charge of all Citadel Interactive platforms including those of ABC Radio Networks. In his new role, John will focus on expanding Citadel's digital initiatives including Citadel's current National platform of around 300 local and National websites and over 200 streaming stations...

"'Citadel already has strong synergies between our radio properties and digital media extensions,' said John, 'now we're taking that effort to the next level with investments in new interactive businesses and digital marketing opportunities.'

"Citadel Broadcasting Corporation is the third largest radio group in the United States, with a national footprint reaching more than 50 markets. Citadel is comprised of 170 FM stations and 63 AM stations in the nation's leading markets, in addition to the ABC Radio Network business, which is one of the three largest radio networks in the United States."

Read the entire press release at CNN Money.

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From Ars Technica: "Microsoft has agreed to license its audio watermarking technology to Activated Content Corp. of Seattle... Activated—already a DRM watermarking player—now wants to use Microsoft's watermarking technology to get into the advertising business. Watermarks... and ads? Yep.

"According to the announcement of the deal, 'Microsoft's audio watermarking technology consists of digital audio software tools that will allow Activated Content to insert and extract non-secure data into audio files that they can use to offer additional services to the audio file end users,'...

"...Activated compares watermarking to digital fingerprinting (which can tell you without using metadata that a digital music file is, say, 'Stairway to Heaven') and points out that watermarking can go way beyond. It can certainly be used in conjunction with DRM software to limit rights, but it can also be used to deliver targeted advertising to listeners.

"According to Activated, their approach can identify a particular music file with remarkable specificity and could even track its movement. 'This content is "Stairway to Heaven", distributed through Starbucks, last transferred through the Hear Music kiosk in downtown San Francisco on Dec. 8th to a registered Hear Music user who has this profile and uses a Microsoft Zune,' says one particularly creepy example...

"Extending the scenario, once the consumer gives a copy to a friend and the watermark is recovered, a very targeted advertisement opportunity is present... This makes for a very valuable advertisement opportunity—one that advertisers might be willing to pay Activated a lot of money for.

"Perhaps Activated's plan will demonstrate that an ad-supported content business model can work, and the music industry will move away from its single-minded focus on DRM. While an absence of DRM would be welcome, would Activated's vision of an ad-supported model be a major improvement?"

Read the entire article at Ars Technica.

From BizReport: "Back in April, CBS Radio agreed to use Targetspot’s technology and marketplace across its network of over 140 streaming radio stations. Then followed Targetspot’s agreement with Entercom Communications Corp. and its network of over 90 Internet radio stations.

"The latest to partner with NYC-based TargetSpot is WarpRadio which operates streaming websites for around 130 terrestrial radio stations.

"TargetSpot has access to around 20 % of each network’s ad inventory and splits revenue with the broadcaster.

"Advertisers can target ads using various criteria such as radio station, geographic location, gender or demographic...

"Advertisers will have a variety of spot lengths to choose from and have the option of pre-roll... Like cable TV's SpotRunner, TargetSpot will give advertisers the option of creating their own ads."

Read the entire article at BizReport.

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