Clear Channel Radio announced the acquisition of cloud-based music services of digital music company Thumbplay Inc. As we know that Clear Channel is the largest digital and terrestrial radio company in U.S., this acquisition is of great importance. This deal has also given the company Thumbplay’s platform and team of mobile technology, product and marketing experts, which will enhance the performance of iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s popular digital radio service.

While the terms of agreement were not disclosed, it is confirmed that acquisition does not include Thumbplay’s ringtone business. Further, it will help the radio company to utilize the Thumbplay’s music technology and services & accelerate the development of iHeartRadio digital products. From now on, iHeartRadio will be available from 750 radio stations across 150 cities. This will also enable the listeners to create their personalized radio stations and provide additional set of customization features.

Robert Pittman, Chairman of Media and Entertainment Platforms for Clear Channel, said,

“The acquisition of Thumbplay’s music business is a key element in Clear Channel Radio’s aggressive digital strategy. It will capitalize on our powerful iHeartRadio platform and ensure that our listeners have the radio and music experience they want, on whatever device or platform they prefer. Joining Thumbplay’s custom radio and subscription services with Clear Channel’s streaming expertise, iHeartRadio’s Internet and mobile audio and music services, including 750 online radio stations, digital-only stations and apps, will create an unsurpassed integrated music product. Couple this with Clear Channel’s promotional power to reach 228 million people on a monthly basis, and you have a combination nobody else can match.”

iHeartRadio works well on PC, Mac and Smartphones including Android, iPhone and BlackBerry devices. It will soon be in major automobile platforms including Toyota. It is one of the most popular music applications and is among top downloads of free music apps for the iPhone and Blackberry app stores.

Cloud-based music services are becoming quite popular, more and more companies are coming up with their initiatives. We heard Sony coming up with its new streaming service in US, Australia and New Zealand. This new streaming service; Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity will have over 6 million songs that will be available to users on a subscription basis. Google is also about to launch its own music service, One Pass, with Honeycomb to give a shake to Apple.

Clear Channel also takes Glynn Alan From Entercom and makes him Market Manager for Colorado Springs. Alan was working with this radio channel earlier, as General Sales Manager in Denver.

“I am very excited to welcome Glynn back to the Clear Channel fold,” said Dave Crowl, Clear Channel’s Senior Vice President for Operations Southeast and West. “He has orchestrated impressive sales successes up in Denver and we are confident he will bring his winning revenue management skills to Colorado Springs. The cluster’s ratings are on fire, and so are the efforts of our sales team – Glynn arrives at the perfect time.”