Clear Channel and Black River Entertainment Sign Digital and Broadcast Revenue-Sharing Agreement
Country Stars Craig Morgan and Kellie Pickler to Receive Revenue for Airplay on Clear Channel’s Broadcast Radio Stations and iHeartRadio
October 17, 2013 [NASHVILLE, TN] – Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, the leading media company in America with a greater reach than any other radio or television outlet, and Black River Entertainment, one of Nashville’s premier independent labels, today announced an agreement that will allow Black River’s artists to share in revenue for airplay on Clear Channel’s broadcast and digital radio streams. This includes Clear Channel’s 850 AM/FM stations serving 150 markets, as well as the iHeartRadio digital radio platform.
Black River Entertainment is home to some of today’s most known country music artists and most promising artists including Glen Templeton and The John King Band.
Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan has had 11 top 20 hits including “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” which went to number one and was the most played song of 2005. Platinum selling singer-songwriter Kellie Pickler made headlines earlier this year following her win on Season 16 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and has had five Top 20 singles.
Black River Entertainment, which is comprised of Black River Records, Black River Publishing and Black River Management, also owns two legendary Nashville studios – Sound Stage and Ronnie’s Place – that have served as the birthplace for some of America’s best country recordings of the past few decades.
“Every day at Black River, we are focused on finding ways to develop our roster of incredibly talented artists for a long-term career in country music,” said Gordon Kerr, CEO, Black River Entertainment. “We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Clear Channel and to deliver more for our artists while continuing to bring fans music they love.”
“Black River has proven its ability to find, develop and promote an extraordinary set of artists with outstanding musical talent and a genuine passion for country music,” said Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman. “Clear Channel is delighted to work together with Black River artists, helping lead the way to a sustainable digital music industry that benefits everyone – artists, fans, record labels, and broadcasters.”
Clear Channel’s partnership with Black River follows the company’s landmark revenue-sharing agreement with Warner Music Group – the first direct performing rights partnership between a radio company and a major record label. Clear Channel has also reached similar market-based agreements with Big Machine Label Group, Glassnote Entertainment Group, eOne, Dualtone, DashGo, rpm Entertainment, Robbins Entertainment, Naxos, Wind-up Records, Fearless Records, Zojak World Wide, Suburban Noize Records, Innovative Leisure and Fleetwood Mac.
About Black River Entertainment
Black River Entertainment is based in Nashville, TN and is the home to country music entertainers Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler, Glen Templeton and The John King Band. The company also owns and operates the premiere recording studios Sound Stage and Ronnie's Place, as well as Black River Records, Black River Publishing and Black River Management. For more information about Black River Entertainment, please visit www.blackriverent.com.