• by Lynn Russo Whylly , May 29, 2007

Commuters en route can now receive real-time traffic reports via ad-supported text messages or e-mails, thanks to a new Clear Channel initiative. With this program, now rolling out to 100 markets, local stations will be able to customize their own sponsorship packages, which could include mobile ads, radio ads, banners on the Web sign-up page and e-mails. Mobile and interactive marketing company HipCricket will provide marketers with metrics and demographic data.

   Advertisers also can view market by market reports broken down by the quarter-hour of alerts delivered and have opportunities to market other products to listeners who’ve opted in. At press time, Clear Channel had signed up stations in Los Angeles and Dallas, among other cities.