…the online search giant has struck a long-term agreement with the nation’s largest radio broadcaster to place Google audio ads on more than 675 Clear Channel radio stations. The deal, announced late Sunday night, comes as Google solidifies its base in the online advertising world with a $3.1 billion deal to acquire online ad serving giant DoubleClick, and follows months of speculation on a hook-up with Clear Channel, and as Google has made significant inroads into the TV advertising business.
One would assume that Google’s deal with Clear Channel for Google Audio inventory is only the first of several radio group dominoes that are likely to fall.
CBS, after all, had been the rumored partner – until now. So is CBS Radio next?
And will Google consummate the acquisition of a radio rep firm, as has also been rumored?
Under any scenario, this deal radically reshapes the radio landscape and further blurs the boundaries between radio and other audio entertainment media, since it is Google who can theoretically mediate the advertising buys on all.