The Australian Radio Network (ARN) has launched a radio Smart-Phone Application in Australia, offering the first multi-platform and social media integrated application in the industry.

With the convergence of technology, Smart-Phones are emerging as not only the new laptop computer, but also the new radio. Recognising the prevalence of radio on this platform, ARN has developed customised applications for all the popular mobile devices including Apple iPhone, Google Android, Nokia and in the coming weeks, the Apple iPad.

Listeners who download the application will have access to all of ARN’s FM/AM stations across the Mix and Classic Hits streams, and The Edge96.ONE. They will also have access to ARN’s range of digital radio stations including Classic Hits Plus and The Edge digital.

ARN’s mobile applications are the first in Australia to fully integrate with leading social media juggernauts, Twitter and Facebook.

ARN Group Sales Director Paul Parker says: “As mobile internet becomes mainstream, we’re not only ensuring we’re front and centre on these devices, but more importantly we’re extending our relationship with our listeners and clients through their virtual lives.”

The applications are also the launch pad for ARN’s mobile advertising strategy. The network has today announced that KIA will be its first integrated advertising partner across all ARN Applications.

“We presented our new Smart-Phone Apps to Initiative Media and they immediately saw the benefit for Kia. We’re delighted to have Kia on board as our launch partner in this exciting new venture,” says Parker.

Kia marketing manager Steve Watt says Kia is focused on supporting new market technology whenever it can: “We saw the ARN Smartphone Applications and immediately realised their potential to deliver us audience in a new and exciting manner.”

The Classic Hits, Mix FM, Edge & Cruise Mobile Applications are now available for download in the Apple iStore for iPhone/iPad, Google Market for Android and Nokia Ovi Store for compatible Nokia Phones.