S.D. Clear Channel in inquiry,Company says Justice Dept. scrutinizing its

S.D. Clear Channel in inquiry

Company says Justice Dept. scrutinizing its radio clout

By Jennifer Davies
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

November 21, 2003

The Justice Department is investigating Clear Channel's San Diego operations to determine whether the radio broadcaster wields too much power in the market, the company disclosed yesterday.

The investigation centers on Clear Channel's large stable of radio stations in San Diego, where the company controls an estimated 45 percent of the market.

Andy Levin, Clear Channel's senior vice president for government affairs, characterized the inquiry as routine and said the company was complying fully with the investigation, which has been under way since summer.

Under federal rules, a company may own up to eight radio stations in one media market. San Antonio-based Clear Channel owns seven in San Diego, but also has operating agreements with four Mexican stations. That total, which includes such popular stations as Jammin' Z90 and 91X, gives Clear Channel about three times the market share held by its closest competitor. (snip/...)

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20031121-9999_1b21clear.html