Clear Channel Radio and Katz Media Group today announced a new online radio network with the broadest reach and most diverse content of any online audio network, as measured by Ando Media’s Webcast Metrics. Called the Katz Online Network, the network outpaces its nearest competitor by some 300% and is also the first to incorporate independent Internet radio stations with the online and mobile streams of leading AM, FM stations and popular syndicated content. Immediately, the Katz Online Network delivers 79 million sessions per month and a unique audience of nearly five million listeners per week.

“Major advertisers and agencies now have a simple way to plan, purchase and optimize the best of the growing online digital audio audience – spanning AM, FM, syndicated and independent Internet radio,” said Brian Benedik, president of Katz 360 Sales, a unit of Katz Media Group. “Whether it’s a national platform, a regional plan or a specific geo-targeted campaign, the Katz Online Network can be customized to any advertiser’s audio needs.”

In addition to audio spots within streams, advertisers can also combine pre-roll audio or video, display or video ads as well as synchronized banners on online media players.

“For the last four years, we have enabled local and national advertisers across recruitment, retail, education, beverages, travel, auto and other categories to reach the highly sought-after at-work audience,” said Evan Harrison, executive vice president of Clear Channel Radio and head of the company’s Online Music & Radio unit. “The need for an efficient national solution to reach a wider audience has been clear. With the Katz Online Network, combined with the diagnostics Ando offers, we will deliver just that.”

Online radio listening has developed a powerful attraction for advertisers as consumers in the most sought-after demographics and life stages convert their morning radio listening into an at-work experience. As a result, the “workday” day part – from 6a-7p, M-F – now holds special appeal. Online radio listenership as a whole continues to grow rapidly, and now reaches 33 million Americans each week according to Arbitron and Edison Media Research – up from 29 million listeners last year.

An unprecedented collection of outstanding properties

The Katz Online Network aggregates an unprecedented collection of audio offerings. Included in the network are AM and FM station streams from major broadcasters; popular syndicated content; and, for the first time, independent Internet radio stations:

“The Katz Online Network represents the largest and most diverse group of rich media properties in existence today. This, combined with the ability for advertisers and agencies to ‘cherry pick’ their target demo and deliver their message directly to those people, is a truly unique and exceptional formula for success,” said Jordan Mendell, founder and CTO of Ando Media.

In addition to giving radio programmers immediate audience data, Ando gives advertisers the advantage of third-party, real-time, server-based audience metrics. Other benefits include seamless ad insertion, centralized trafficking and invoicing, and comprehensive analytics. These tools have never been available before in the audio space.

Ando currently monitors many of the largest terrestrial broadcasting companies and Internet-only brands, including more than 4000 Internet radio stations.

The Katz Online Network will be sold by a dedicated group of digital audio specialists within Katz 360 Sales, Clear Channel Online Music & Radio and Premiere Radio Networks. These sales agents will collaborate to maximize the experience for the National advertisers & agencies.