<P> iHeartMedia uses the RCS Nex - Gen automation system throughout their properties . Like most contemporary automation systems, Nex - Gen allows a DJ from anywhere in the country to sound as if he or she is broadcasting from anywhere else in the country, on any other station . A technological outgrowth of earlier, tape - based automation systems dating back to the 1960s, this method--known as voice - tracking--allows for smaller market stations to be partially or completely staffed by "cyber-jocks" who may never have visited the town from which they are broadcasting . This practice may also result in local on - air positions being reduced or eliminated . It has been stated that iHeartMedia maintains a majority of its staff in hourly - paid, part - time positions . </P> <P> Clear Channel was criticized for a situation that occurred in Minot, North Dakota, on the morning of January 18, 2002 . At around 2: 30 a.m., a Canadian Pacific Railway train derailed and leaked 240,000 US gallons (910,000 L) of toxic anhydrous ammonia, releasing a cloud of caustic, poisonous gas over the city . At the time, Clear Channel owned six commercial radio stations out of nine in the Minot area . City officials attempted to contact the local Clear Channel office by telephone to spread warnings of the danger using its radio stations, but it was several critical hours before the station manager was finally reached at his home . In the meantime, 9 - 1 - 1 operators were advising panicked callers to tune to KCJB for emergency instructions, but the station was not broadcasting any such information . </P> <P> The ammonia spill was the largest of its kind in the United States, with one person killed, and over 1,000 seeking medical attention . Clear Channel claimed no responsibility for its failure to warn residents, maintaining that the city should have used the Emergency Alert System to trigger automatic equipment in place at all U.S. radio stations . The EAS equipment was later found to be functional at the time, but had not been activated by city, state or regional authorities . Unfortunately, other critical systems throughout Minot were either inoperable or had failed, including the public siren system, electricity in parts of the town, and the 9 - 1 - 1 telephone system, which became overloaded . </P> <P> The incident has been cited as an example of the physical dangers of media consolidation and the prevalent cost - cutting measure of eliminating overnight staff at stations . </P>

Pink inc. sells half of its 70 interest in brown co