More people may be tuning into Web radio, but contractual problems with on-air talent are creating static. Radio giant Clear Channel Communications, which owns 1,200 stations
around the country, has asked affiliates to pull the plug on Web broadcasts. The reason: a union agreement requires on-air talent get 300% of their normal fee if their ads run on
the Web. (Clear Channel, 210/822-2828.)
Virtual Product Reviews. E-Gear Magazine will feature Web-based interactive simulations of products in July. With software-maker e-SIM, E-Gear will enable
readers to "test drive" hot consumer electronics featured in the magazine, according to CEO Bill Sims of e-SIM's live products division. "We'll simulate the functionality of, for
example, a high-definition TV," he says.
(Steve Ertel, Middleberg, 212/699-2524.)