• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, June 26, 2012

The Internet radio scene continues to heat up, as big radio groups and pure-play digital radio broadcasters strike new content and distribution partnerships. 

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (formerly Clear Channel Radio) has struck a deal bringing over 100 radio stations owned by Cox Media Group and Emmis Communications to its iHeartRadio platform. The deal makes programming from 86 Cox stations in 19 markets and 20 Emmis stations in six markets available to iHeartRadio users via the Web, mobile devices, and in automobiles with smartphone hookups.

The stations will promote iHeartRadio on-air and continue streaming audio on their own Web sites and mobile apps. The list of stations participating includes high-profile properties like Emmis’ Hot 97 in New York City and Power 106 in Los Angeles.

In addition, Slacker announced it is launching personalized lifestyle stations, targeting male and female listeners, with content from ABC Radio. The Men’s Life channel features content in various categories, including games and gadgets, cars and gear, and home improvement, while the Women’s Life channel features content in categories including hair and beauty, home living, and parenting. 

Both channels also offer gender-targeted content on money, health and fitness, relationships, food and drink, style and fashion, tech, travel and adventure, green living, and entertainment.

Earlier this month, Slacker announced a partnership with Microsoft, making the online audio service available to Microsoft’s Xbox Live Gold subscribers; Clear Channel’s iHeartRadio made the same move in October of last year. In April, TuneIn said it will begin carrying programming from CBS Radio stations around the country.

Last December, Clear Channel announced a deal with Cumulus Media, bringing streaming audio from all 570 Cumulus stations to the iHeartRadio platform. In September, CCR revealed that it was adding Spanish-language programming from Univision Radio to iHeartRadio.