Clear Channel to Convert 200 Stations to Digital

Clear Channel Communications Inc., the largest U.S. radio broadcaster, said more than 200 of its stations would be converted to digital broadcasts by the end of November, part of a plan to improve sound and offer more programs.

The change will more than triple the number of stations with digital signals from 65 earlier this year, San Antonio-based Clear Channel, owner of 1,200 stations, said.

Clear Channel is spending more than $40 million to convert analog stations to digital to compete with pay-radio providers XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.

Clear Channel shares fell 12 cents to $32.38.