The HD Digital Radio Alliance, a trade group promoting the rollout of HD digital radio, today announced the initial 28 markets which will begin broadcasting HD2 multicast programming. The first broadcasts are expected in the next few days.
The rollouts, according to the HD Digital Radio Alliance, mark the first wide-scale launch of HD2 multicast channels in the country, with each market airing new content. Collectively, some 264 entirely new HD2 channels will carry a variety of music or talk formats.
Member broadcasters are responsible for programming each of their multicast channels and all HD2 formats are initially commercial-free. In addition, all current analog radio signals will also be available as HD digital radio broadcasts (on HD1 channels). No subscription is required to hear HD digital radio broadcasts.
“We’re moving very rapidly to improve consumers’ radio listening experience,” confirmed Peter Ferrara, President and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. “Listeners will now have even more local choices of new and diverse programming. I think a lot of people are going to want an HD Radio for their car, home and office.”
More details on the specific markets being rolled out to can be found on the HD Digital Radio Alliance’s website.
