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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2000 WWW.USDOJ.GOV |
AT (202) 514-2007 TDD (202) 514-1888 |
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JUSTICE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES CLEAR CHANNEL AND AMFM Required Sale is Largest Radio Divestiture Ever WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Justice today announced that Clear Channel Communications Inc. and AMFM Inc. have agreed to sell 99 radio stations in 27 markets nationwide after the Department expressed antitrust concerns about Clear Channel's pending $23.5 billion merger with AMFM. The Department said the merger is the largest radio transaction ever to be reviewed by the Antitrust Division. Without the divestitures, the Department said the proposed transaction would have led to a loss of head-to-head competition between the two companies, resulting in increased prices for radio advertising in the 27 markets where divestitures are required. The value of the divestitures required by the Department is approximately $3.4 billion. "These divestitures will ensure that radio listeners and businesses that purchase radio advertising will continue to obtain the benefits of competition--lower prices and better service," said Donna E. Patterson, Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division. Under the agreement, Clear Channel and AMFM have agreed to sell the majority of the radio stations required in the divestiture package before proceeding with their merger. The Department later will file a complaint in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking resolution of the competitive issues. In addition to the complaint, the Department will file a proposed consent decree that will resolve those issues by requiring the prompt divestiture of the remaining radio stations. The consent decree also will address separate concerns about Clear Channel's acquisition of AMFM's partial ownership stake in Lamar Advertising Company. The decree will be subject to public comment under the Tunney Act, and, if approved by the Court, would settle the lawsuit. Clear Channel, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the largest radio broadcast companies in the United States. After its merger with AMFM, it will be the largest U.S. radio broadcaster, owning or operating 898 stations. For 1999, the company reported net television and radio revenues of approximately $1.4 billion. AMFM, headquartered in Dallas is also one of the largest radio broadcast companies in the U.S. For 1999, the company reported radio net revenues of approximately $1.7 billion. A list of the stations to be divested, along with the cities and approved buyers, is attached. ### 00-415
Following are the markets, buyers, and stations to be sold:
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