March of Dimes Awards Clear Channel Radio for Support of Prematurity Campaign

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, JUNE 20, 2007 -- At a recent ceremony at Clear Channel Communications headquarters here, the March of Dimes Foundation presented Clear Channel Radio executives with an award for their efforts to save babies' lives and provide comfort to the parents of premature infants.  Last year, Clear Channel radio stations nationwide were involved in numerous March of Dimes events and broadcast nearly 8,000 thirty-second public service advertisements valued at some $500,000. 

Clear Channel executives on hand at the May 2nd ceremony were Lisa Dollinger, Chief Communications Officer, and Mark Mays, Chief Executive Officer.  “It truly is an honor to accept this wonderful award from the March of Dimes on behalf of all of the hard work done by Clear Channel businesses across the country during Prematurity Awareness Month in November.  Clear Channel is proud to partner with the March of Dimes in promoting awareness about the crisis of premature birth in this country,” Mr. Mays said. 

In presenting the award, Doug Staples, Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications for the March of Dimes, said, “Clear Channel Communications generously committed their considerable resources to bring public awareness to the serious and pervasive problem of premature birth.  Folks from Clear Channel-owned media properties are involved in March of Dimes activities all year-round, but their cohesive effort in fourth quarter 2006 demonstrated Clear Channel stations' unity and their commitment to public service.”

At least 129 stations in some 45 media markets were actively involved in the 2006 Prematurity Awareness Month activities, including stations in New York, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana and Michigan.

Clear Channel Communications is a global media and entertainment company specializing in "gone from home" entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers.  Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company's businesses include radio, television and outdoor displays.

The March of Dimes Foundation is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.  Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.  For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.