Format Lab is a think tank run by Clear Channel Communications charged with creating original content for to HD Radio, Internet, and wireless media. The original audio, video and text programming will be the foundation for Internet channels, station Web sites, iPods, satellite broadcasts, in-vehicle navigation systems, and HD digital radio multicasts. Not to be confused with clear channel radio stations, which are AM radio stations with certain technical parameters. ... HD Radio is an in-band on-channel (IBOC) digital radio system created by iBiquity for broadcasting via existing FM and AM radio stations. ...

The Format Lab was created in 2005 and launched in February 1, 2006 with over 75 channels of music and entertainment programming. The Format Lab channels include programming elements for both mainstream and hyper-niched programming. The number of channels offered by the Format Lab is 83 and growing.

One of the more unconventional ways the Format Lab helps to drive diversity was the decision to draw on a number of non-professional radio programmers to lead or consult on some of its channels. It currently employs hundreds of persons from within and outside of the parent company.

Specifically, radio broadcasters can use the programming as-is for subscription services or can choose to supplement the elements – which include continually refreshed playlists, imaging and spoken-word vignettes – with their own locally customized content to create fully localized radio channels.

While originally intended to feed personal entertainment and information devices beyond AM/FM radio, programming for the Format Lab channels has already been adopted by traditional radio stations.

Since 2006 Pride Radio, a product specifically created for the Gay-Lesbian community, has been growing in market affiliations. Pride can be heard on HD Radio in numerous markets including: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, West Palm Beach, Albuquerque, Syracuse, Hartford, Denver, San Antonio, and Madison.

In March of 2007, mSpot wireless radio services provided by Sprint began use of the Format Lab's Spanish music channels.

The Format Lab's programming can be heard online in Windows Media format and are available for free to users. Windows Media is a multimedia framework for media creation and distribution for Microsoft Windows. ...

External links

• Format Lab homepage
• Format Lab music channel menu
• Report about Format Lab launch on about.com