EXHIBIT 5.1

            [Letterhead of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.]


                                November 29, 2001


Clear Channel Communications, Inc.
200 East Basse Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as legal counsel to Clear Channel Communications, Inc., a
Texas corporation (the "Company") in connection with the preparation and filing
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of a
registration statement on Form S-8 of even date herewith (the "Registration
Statement") for the registration of $25,000,000 in deferred compensation
obligations (the "Obligations") of the Company to be offered and sold under the
Company's Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Plan").

         We have, as counsel, examined such corporate records, certificates and
other documents and reviewed such questions of law as we have deemed necessary,
relevant or appropriate to enable us to render the opinions expressed below. In
rendering this opinion, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and
the authenticity of all documents examined by us. As to various questions of
fact material to such opinions, we have relied upon representations of the
Company.

         Based upon such examination and representations, we advise you that, in
our opinion, the Obligations, when established pursuant to the terms of the
Plan, will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against
the Company in accordance with their terms and the terms of the Plan, except as
enforceability (I) may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, and (ii) is subject to
general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

         We are members of the Bar of the State of Texas and the foregoing
opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Texas and the federal laws of the
United States of America.

         We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5 to the
Registration Statement.

         This opinion is rendered solely to you in connection with the above
matter. This opinion may not be relied upon by you for any other purpose or
relied upon by or furnished to any other person without our prior written
consent.

                                  Very truly yours,

                                  /s/ Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.

                                  AKIN, GUMP, STRAUSS, HAUER & FELD, L.L.P.