Posted by chicagomedia.org on May 15, 2008 at 10:33:16:
Radio Rolls Out HD2: The Next Generation
May 14, 2008
The HD Digital Radio Alliance today announced that member companies are ready to rollout the second generation of HD2 programming. Some of the new HD side channels will provide airtime to local and unsigned acts, while some will bring old stations back to the airwaves and others offer specified, unique formats.
"The Alliance members and many other engaged broadcasters know it�s up to them to drive and deliver excellent programming on their HD2 and HD3 stations. It�s also imperative that broadcasters market that programming to listeners," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "Manufacturers are making a plethora of HD Radio receivers, retailers are putting HD Radios on their shelves (or on-line), and now the programming must motivate listeners to upgrade their radios to HD Radio."
Some of these new HD stations will air archive performances while other stations that have recently been flipped are finding new life on HD2. These include "Live Rock - WMMR Archives" (Greater Media/Philadelphia); "WNEW" (CBS Radio/New York); "80s Based Adult Hits" (CBS Radio/Las Vegas; McAllen-Brownsville-Harlingen and New York); "Radio Free Hawaii" (Clear Channel/Hawaii) and "Haney's Big House 96.1 HD2" (Beasley/Ft. Myers-Naples-Marco Island, FL).
Some of the niche formats that are rolling out include: "Gretchen 99.9" (Beasley/Miami); "Old Skool Hip Hop" (Clear Channel/Boston); "Punk Young Alternative" (Emmis/Chicago); "80s Channel" (WBEB/Philadelphia) and "Chick Rock" (CBS Radio/Dallas-Ft. Worth).
"We know from our research if consumers hear content they can relate to in their market � and they can find it easily on HDRadio.com � the programming will inspire them to buy an HD Radio," said Diane Warren, EVP of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "These great new stations only scratch the surface of the technology�s capabilities. Combined with the station listener�s love on the AM and FM dial, a new HD Radio provides them with an even richer and more exciting experience. The work the broadcasters are doing is impressive and they�re maximizing the opportunities with these new stations by giving listeners more choices while demonstrating their capacity for innovation � so stay tuned."