In light of recent articles that reported Apple has rejected certain radio apps, I would like to set the record straight with respect to AirKast.

To the best of our knowledge, Apple has not formally published a position to reject apps for single radio stations. In October, the Apple iTunes App Store team approached us regarding the subject of radio apps. We want it to be clear that Apple has not rejected any of our radio apps. However, in respecting the direction Apple wants for future iPhone apps, it was recommended that we work closer with our customers to: a) add more variety to the look-and-feel of individual station apps; and, b) distribute apps through our customers’ own Apple Developer Program accounts.

Since AirKast apps already incorporate rich multimedia features and because the apps are delivered via the flexible AirBridge platform, our clients can quickly and easily add unique content to graphically individualize their apps. In addition, AirBridge eliminates the need for customers to resubmit their apps to the iTunes App Store. The AirBridge/TuneKast combination allows our radio customers to focus on their creativity, instead of infrastructure issues, to develop a competitive advantage.

In the event that Apple decides to eliminate all single radio station apps, AirKast already offers clients a multi-station app solution. Multi-station apps bring together individual radio station apps into one offering. The station apps can be organized by station group or by themes such as jazz, news-talk, etc… Several multi-station apps from AirKast exist today, e.g. ESPN, Radio Disney and Salem Communications. The uniqueness of the AirBridge platform permits us to create a “wrapper” around the individual stations and present them as a single application while retaining each station’s branding. For example, starting a Christian Rock application will offer users a list of all other Christian Rock stations from a particular station group. Selecting a station automatically “re-skins” the application with that station’s branding (background, logo and content) in addition to retaining the station’s own advertisers. Any desired changes the station makes to its app’s look-and-feel are automatically reflected in the multi-station application.

The multi-station capability is available now from AirKast for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry devices. This novel approach gives station groups the flexibility to offer individual station apps or include all station apps as part of a themed multi-station application. The next-generation of our TuneKast solution will apply to both our single station and themed multi-station applications.

We’re committed to providing our customers with the leading mobile platform for broadcasters and we believe our efforts reflect the high-quality and creativity fashioned by the iPhone.

Sincerely,

Larry LeungCEOAirKast, Inc.