Clear Channel Radio Will Offer Broadcasts Compatible With Apple’s Implementation of HD Digital Radio Tagging Feature
Clear Channel Radio today announced it will offer HD digital radio broadcasts for devices supporting Apple’s implementation of a new HD digital radio tagging feature, announced earlier today. The company also urged all radio broadcasters to fully support the new capability.
“Apple has been a strong supporter of radio, previously making an FM tuner available for the iPod, and we view their support of HD digital radio as an enormous opportunity,” said John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “All of our FM stations broadcasting in HD digital radio will be available on these important and unprecedented devices. With substantial gains in online and on-demand programming already under our belt, there should now be no doubt of radio’s ability to constantly evolve and embrace new technology. The iPod is not a competitor to radio — it is a collaborator in connecting with consumers on a continual basis.”
The I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 from Polk Audio that was announced today is the first to offer a “buy” button for songs broadcast in HD digital radio. As a result, users can purchase and download songs they discover on the company’s FM-frequency HD digital radio broadcasts via Apple’s iTunes service. Users who “tag” a song have the option to purchase it or simply find more information about it when their iPod is synced with iTunes software. The display screen indicates which HD digital radio stations have songs enabled for this service.
Clear Channel Radio has led the industry in creating and airing HD2 programming. The company currently broadcasts more than 400 stations in HD digital radio and more than 300 additional HD2 channels. Its “Format Lab” — staffed with more than 200 programmer and production pros — has created more than 100 new and niche offerings. Some have already seen enormous success — crossing over to local FM stations (Americana Bluegrass); focusing on underserved cultural segments including the gay and lesbian community (Pride Radio); and even underpinning entirely new listening experiences (Lone Star). A complete list (including live streams) of the company’s HD2 broadcasts can be found at www.clearchannelmusic.com/hdradio/.
HD digital radio technology increases the number of local channels able to be broadcast over a given AM or FM frequency. These digital channels enable broadcasters to offer advanced services, additional audio content with no monthly fees and improved digital sound quality where AM sounds like FM and FM is near-CD quality.
About Clear Channel Radio
Clear Channel Radio is a leading radio company focused on serving local communities across the U.S. with more than 110 million listeners choosing Clear Channel Radio programming each week. The company’s content can be heard on AM/FM stations, HD digital radio channels, on the Internet, via iPods and via mobile-navigation devices from Cobra, Garmin, Kenwood and others. The company’s operations include radio broadcasting, syndication and independent media representation. Clear Channel Radio is a division of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE:CCU), a leading global media and entertainment company. More information on the company can be found at www.clearchannel.com.