Format Lab

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The 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. Programming from the Format Lab ranges from the mainstream to the highly experimental and novel, and the Format Lab's channels can (and are often) used as 24-hour networks.

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 peaked at 83; as of January 2008, a restructuring reduced that number to 46.

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, much like in the early experimental days of FM radio. 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. The programming is particularly popular among Clear Channel's HD Radio "HD2" subcarriers.

One of the more distinctive programming formats developed at the Format Lab is Pride Radio. 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, Worcester, and Madison.

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

All of the Format Lab's programming can be heard online via streaming Internet radio in Windows Media format and are available for free to users.