HD Radio enables radio broadcasters to segment a single, existing radio frequency so that it can carry multiple, simultaneous, higher-quality AM and FM broadcast streams as well as wireless data.
HD radio eliminates the static, hiss, pop and fades associated with analog signals, so for listeners, AM-band broadcasts sound like FM and FM-band broadcasts have digital CD-like quality. The wireless data feature enables text information on songs to be broadcast directly to receiver display screens.
Although the HD technology has been in the pipeline for some time, it is finally coming to fruition for the listening public.
The rollouts mark the first wide-scale launch of HD2 multicast channels in the country, with each market airing new and unique content. Every market where HD2 is activated will immediate be enhanced by a new diversity of radio.
Collectively, some 264 entirely new HD2 channels will carry a variety of music or talk formats all HD2 formats are initially commercial-free.
Yesterday, CBS RADIO announced a definitive lineup of multicast programming for more than 60 of its stations in 17 markets across the country. Currently, 60 of the Company’s 179 radio stations are using the technology. Additionally, CBS’s WUSN-FM and WJMK-FM in Chicago were among the first stations in the nation to launch continuously programmed HD Radio multicast channels. CBS RADIO introduced its first HD radio station, New York’s WNEW-FM, in 1999.
“HD Radio is quite simply one of the greatest technological developments the radio industry has ever seen,” said Joel Hollander, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CBS RADIO.
Over the next few days, 25 Clear Channel Radio stations in five markets are turning on their HD2 multicast digital radio channels. Within two weeks, another 82 stations in 20 more markets will light up HD2 multicasts. The rollout also includes online streaming of the new channels as well as on-air giveaways of HD Radios. In every local market, the HD2 multicasts will either complement existing on-air programming or bring entirely new music or spoken-word genres to listeners.
Some of the totally new formats to be introduced in the first wave include: Viva La Voce (opera), Classical Alternative, Traditional Jazz & Blues, Coffee House, Female Talk, Future Country, Extreme Hip Hop and in-depth news. Additionally, new rock formats being developed that will be appear in some of the markets includes Deep Cuts Classic Rock, Live Rock, New Alternative, Fusion Hispanic-Anglo Rock, Chick Rock, Indie & New Rock.
Portions From Clear Channel Radio and CBS Radio Press Releases
