Clear Channel Ads to Discourage Downloads

Radio giant Clear Channel Communications said it would air advertisements to dissuade listeners from downloading copyrighted music from the Internet.

The move follows a vow by Clear Channel’s radio division chief to ease tensions with record executives, some of whom accuse the San Antonio-based broadcasting giant of using strong-arm tactics and shrinking radio playlists.

Clear Channel said a series of 30-second ads would air across its 1,200 stations and on syndicated programs.