Clear Channel Communications, Inc., the worldwide radio and billboard advertising corporation that plans to purchase SFX Entertainment this fall, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Pinch as president, Clear Channel International Radio.

Once Clear Channel finalizes its $14 billion deal to purchase AMFM and the subsequent $4.4 billion stock swap deal for SFX, the company will operate 874 radio and 19 television stations in the United States and will have equity interests in over 240 radio stations around the world. In its other significant business, Clear Channel operates more than 550,000 outdoor advertising displays,including billboards, street furniture and transit panels.

As reported earlier, the link between Clear Channel and Broadway is SFX, which develops and manages touring Broadway shows, and sells Broadway subscription series and individual productions in 55 markets. An integrated franchise that promotes and produces a broad variety of live entertainment events locally, regionally and nationally, SFX has 122 venues overall, and owns or operates venues in 31 of the top 50 domestic markets.

In his new role at Clear Channel, Pinch assumes control radio operations outside of the United States including 240 properties throughout Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Europe. Pinch will also be involved with Clear Channel's television and radio acquisitions internationally.

Clear Channel president and chief operating officer Mark Mays said Pinch performed well when he directed Clear Channel's New Zealand and Australian joint ventures. Under Pinch, Mays said, New Zealand cash flow increased by nearly 400 percent. In a paper statement, Pinch hinted at the international scope of Clear Channel's business when he indicated that, "It will be great to continue the relationships we have built in the South Pacific and to share resources, ideas and talent across several continents."

-- By Murdoch McBride