21 broadcasters unveil HD Radio plans at CES

21 radio groups and iBiquity Digital announced an historic agreement at CES in Las Vegas to accelerate broadcast conversion of 2,000 AM and FM stations to HD Radio. Combined with the current 500 stations licensed, 2,500 stations have embarked on an HD Radio future, covering all of the nation's top 100 markets and beyond.

The announcement follows HD Radio commitments pledged last summer by Clear Channel, Entercom and Cox Radio. Clear Channel announced in August 1,000 stations would convert to digital over the next three years. 65 of its stations are currently HD Radio.

The agreement includes station commitments from ABC Radio, Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, Clear Channel, Cox Radio, Cumulus, Emmis, Entercom, Entravision, Greater Media, Infinity, Jefferson-Pilot, Journal Broadcast Group, Liberman Broadcasting, NextMedia, Radio One, Regent, Saga, Sandusky Radio, Susquehanna and Univision Radio.

Separately, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced recently a matching grant program for an additional 159 Public Radio stations to speed HD Radio conversions. This brings the total Public Broadcast station commitment to 309.

"HD Radio will especially benefit those in middle and small-sized markets," added Terry Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of Regent Communications. "This new technology will enable us to bring more local programming broadcast at a higher quality than ever before. HD Radio is simply another tool that will allow us to better serve the interests of our local communities and markets of all sizes will benefit."

Added NAB CEO Eddie Fritts: "Whether it's playing regional music or providing news during times of crisis, local radio has its finger on the pulse of the community. It is a bond that no satellite service, cable channel or MP3 player can ever hope to duplicate. Today's announcement demonstrates the commitment of America's terrestrial broadcasters to the promise of digital and ensures an improved listening experience for the 175 million daily listeners of local AM and FM radio stations."

In addition to CD sound quality, HD Radio has data channel capabilities for transmitting song and artist into, traffic and weather and sports scores, to compete with satellite, PDAs and other new technologies.