Apple Deal Links Custom Radio Storefronts to ITunes

Apple has entered into an agreement with Emmis Interactive that will give radio listeners in the U.S. the ability to buy the songs they hear on the air using their iTunes account. Emmis has been one of Apple's top five iTunes affiliates since 2006 when it began using the storefronts.

Emmis markets its own Storefront technology that allows a station to build a storefront with a look and feel that is consistent with its over-the-air product. Emmis Interactive co-president Rey Mena explained that listeners will be able to "shop from playlists of station artists as well as top picks recommended by on-air talent."

When you click a link from one of the radio Web sites, you are taken directly to the iTunes Store and to the song you clicked on. The model is similar to one adopted by Apple in partnership with Starbucks in September 2007.

There are several storefronts already available including Power 106 FM, WLUP and 105.7 The Point.