Radio Groups Form HD Digital Radio Alliance

[SOURCE: MediaWeek, AUTHOR: Katy Bachman and Paul Heine, Billboard Radio Monitor]
To accelerate the rollout and consumer acceptance of HD Radio, several of the nation's leading radio groups have formed the HD Digital Radio Alliance. The group, making the announcement Tuesday during a press conference in New York, will work to get more HD Radios installed in cars, coordinate the rollout of HD Radio and jointly market the new technology. Media companies including Clear Channel, Infinity Broadcasting, Cumulus Media, Bonneville International, Emmis Communications, Entercom Communications and Greater Media have pledged to collectively spend at least $200 million to market HD Radio in 2006. Peter Ferrara, senior vp for Clear Channel, will head up the consortium as president and CEO.
http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001614953

* Statement from NAB: "Today's historic HD Radio announcement sends an unmistakable signal that local radio's best days are still ahead. Consumers will benefit from scores of additional program formats and improved signal clarity, coupled with community-based news, weather and traffic reports that remain hallmarks of free radio. NAB salutes our member companies for visionary leadership that will incentivize development of HD Radio receivers and keep free, local radio on the leading edge of digital technology."
http://www.nab.org/newsroom/pressrel/statements/120605_HD_Radio_statement.htm

* Radio group tunes in digital
http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2005-12-06-hd-radio-group_x.htm