Radio's new position: “Digital PD.”

One of the big drivers in the growth of mobile streaming is exclusive content. That's led to creation of a new role to oversee the online product.

Web-only channels from Clear Channel Radio Digital — including Stripped, Pride Radio and streams devoted to major acts such as the Eagles, Weezer and Christina Aguilera — account for 24% of mobile listening to iheartradio, the company claims.  As it prepares to launch more web streams, Clear Channel has recruited Rich McLaughlin, former content director at Fordham University triple A WFUV, New York and format manager at Sirius, as digital PD.  His mission: oversee, maintain and create digital stations across the company’s iheartradio network.  “He will work with partners within and outside of Clear Channel Radio to create new digital radio stations focused on major artists, brands and other themes,” says a company spokeswoman. McLaughlin is tasked with the day-to-day programming of several existing national channels and working to assist local PDs currently programming the company’s APE channels devoted exclusively to major artists.