Bears President Ted Phillips told the Chicago Tribune that the team will explore launching its own station via HD Radio—as soon as next season, but more likely in 2015. In its deal with WBBM-AM/FM, the team has the rights to use 105.9 HD3 as its own exclusive radio outlet.
It’s not the first time it has been done—WOGL Philadelphia has a Phillies HD Radio channel; The Pittsburgh Penguins have one on WXDX.
“The Bears already produce several shows for television. An HD station is a natural next step in their bid to generate more original content to satisfy a fan base that can’t get enough football,” said the story.
The question is when, Phillips told the paper. “The HD penetration still is not that high. It’s very labor intensive. We have to make sure it is worth it.”
Besides the Bears, the White Sox also have discussed HD Radio, although it appears to be further down the road for them. Their deal with WSCR gives them access to WJMK HD3.
See the Chicago Tribune story here.
