AOL, Slacker team to re-launch digital radio services

AOL Music will re-launch its AOL Radio service later this summer, replacing longtime partner CBS Radio with Slacker Inc. to deliver a revamped experience promising fewer ads, new personalization tools and premium subscription options. Terms of the AOL/Slacker partnership were not disclosed.

The retooled AOL Radio will host AOL's 250 existing stations as well as Slacker programming from partners including ESPN Radio and ABC News Radio. AOL will offer three product tiers: Free, ad-subsidized services, ad-free services and premium services touting Slacker personalization and customization features. Depending on which tier consumers select, they can create their own radio stations, save favorite songs and stations, read album reviews, access artist biographies and skip songs they dislike.

AOL did not specify which features will be available across specific tiers, nor did it outline pricing options. The current ad-free Slacker Radio Plus mobile service costs $3.99 per month, while the feature-rich, ad-free Slacker Premium Radio is priced at $9.99 per month. AOL adds that Slacker will lead advertising sales within the new player, enabling AOL to package a segment of the inventory to sell premium integrated sponsorships.

AOL Radio and its corresponding iPhone app will roll out by summer's end. The service will extend to Android and other platforms soon after.

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