Salem Communications has launched 57 mobile applications for radio station listeners with iPhone or BlackBerry devices.

Salem tapped digital content and advertising service provider AirKast Inc. for the creation of the applications. In total, 71 Salem radio stations will have iPhone and BlackBerry mobile applications available to listeners by May, with the iPhone versions letting users buy music tracks via iTunes, BlackBerry users via Amazon.com.

“Salem understands that providing an interactive mobile experience alongside favorite music or personalities will help attract and retain listeners,” said Larry Leung, CEO of AirKast, Cupertino, CA. “This interactive content changes radio from being a passive to an engaging experience.”

Salem Communications is a U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values.

Developed and delivered using both AirKast AirBridge and TuneKast, the Salem mobile applications let listeners hear live broadcasts on the go, as well as view song lyrics, see artist and album information, read reviews, watch videos, listen to station podcasts, hear samples of recently played songs and even buy music through iTunes or Amazon.

AirKast customers include ABC, as well as terrestrial stations from Greater Media, Alpha Broadcasting, Citadel Broadcasting and NextMedia Inc.

AirBridge, a hosted digital media delivery platform, is used to build mobile applications. It currently supports iPhone, BlackBerry and Android devices.

TuneKast is a mobile application framework that features real-time digital media and online content within branded mobile applications.

Used by 850-plus popular terrestrial and Internet-based radio stations, TuneKast, together with AirBridge, helps radio stations increase their digital content distribution to attract sponsors and advertisers.

Radio apps
The Salem mobile applications let listeners tune into their favorite stations including KKLA, WAVA, WIND and 54 other stations from their mobile phones.

There is no registration required and each application is free to download.

By using AirKast to create and deliver its mobile applications, each Salem radio station is able to maintain its own content and branding, as well as control station event and sponsor information.

AirKast allows radio stations to focus on their content instead of infrastructure issues.

“The AirKast applications help Salem leverage its digital content and move beyond simple radio streaming to become a full mobile media broadcaster,” Mr. Leung said.