SAN ANTONIO – The nation's largest radio station chain announced Monday that it will reduce the number of air minutes devoted to commercials.
In a statement, San Antonio-based Clear Channel Communications (search) said it intends the measure "to improve the value of radio to listeners and advertisers."
Clear Channel said limits on the length of commercials per spot break will be reduced. The chain also will reduce and limit the amount of promotional breaks on all of its radio stations.
The specifics of the reductions were not released. The policy will take effect Jan. 1.
The limits will vary by format and time of day. John Hogan, chief executive officer of the Clear Channel Radio unit, said the new policy will improve listening for consumers while providing advertisers more effective use of their advertising dollar.
"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," he said.
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