http://www.hdradio.com/press_room.php?newscontent=33
Ferrara says the ability of AM and FM stations to broadcast their programming digitally is a tremendous leap that provides a significantly improved listening experience and expanded local programming choices for nothing more than the cost of an HD Digital Radio receiver. Consumers listening to HD Digital Radio receive FM channels with near-CD quality sound, AM radio with FM-quality sound, brand new HD2 multicast channels and formats, and the transmission of additional information on the display device such as song titles, artist information, traffic alerts, stocks and sports scores.
To date, 3,000 U.S. radio stations have committed to the revolutionary technology. More than 800 radio stations are currently broadcasting primary signals in HD Digital, reaching 75% of the U.S. population, expanding to 1200 stations and 90% of the population by the end of this year. By July 31 of this year, the number of stations broadcasting HD2 multicast channels with exciting new music formats is expected to grow to 400.
“Having RadioShack on board represents yet another leap forward in getting this exciting new technology into the consumer marketplace ahead of schedule,” said Ferrara. “The Alliance was formed to make that happen, and we are grateful for the involvement of our committed, visionary partners. Together we are driving truly unprecedented momentum and faster consumer adoption than anyone had imagined possible.”
About the HD Digital Radio Alliance
The HD Digital Radio Alliance is a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD Digital Radio. Current members include ABC Radio (in Los Angeles and Minneapolis), Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, CBS Radio, Citadel Broadcasting, Clear Channel Radio, Cumulus, Emmis Communications, Entercom, Greater Media, and Susquehanna.
About RadioShack
Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) is one of the nation’s most trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers and a growing provider of business-to-business retail support services. The company operates a vast network of sales channels, including: nearly 6,000 company-owned and dealer stores; over 100 RadioShack locations in Mexico; and more than 700 wireless kiosks. RadioShack’s knowledgeable and helpful sales associates deliver convenient product and service solutions within five minutes of where 94 percent of all Americans either live or work. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, visit www.RadioShackCorporation.com. To learn more about RadioShack products and services or to purchase items online, visit www.RadioShack.com.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS – (May 15, 2006) – RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) and the HD Digital Radio Alliance today announced that in anticipation of growing customer demand for HD Digital Radio™ receivers, the consumer electronics retailer is immediately launching a pilot program in several major markets as a prelude to a national roll-out later this year.
More than 100 RadioShack stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are now stocking HD Digital Radio receivers for the pilot launch, as are several dozen additional stores in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Washington, D.C. This announcement underscores the momentum of HD radio as the latest entrant into the consumer digital entertainment space and RadioShack’s ability to help drive adoption rates of new technology across mainstream America by leveraging its assets of almost 5,000 stores staffed with knowledgeable sales associates.
“RadioShack has been a destination point for generations of customers looking to fulfill their home and portable radio needs, and HD Digital Radio technology is clearly the most significant advancement in terrestrial radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago,” said Jim Hamilton, RadioShack executive vice president, merchandising and marketing. “By making a one-time purchase of an HD Digital Radio receiver, customers will benefit from crystal-clear, static-free reception, great new local programming and no subscription fees. This is exactly the type of cutting edge technology our customers have come to love and expect from their neighborhood RadioShack stores, and we’re happy to be delivering what’s undoubtedly one of the hottest new digital entertainment options around.”
RadioShack stores in the pilot program will initially carry the table top Boston Acoustics Recepter Radio® HD priced at $299.99, with the plan to add exclusive RadioShack receivers in the fall when the pilot expands nationally. Customers will be exposed to in-store, online and point-of-purchase educational support backed with comprehensive employee training and customized advertising running on all HD Digital Radio Alliance-member stations directing customers to shop at RadioShack for their HD Radio needs. RadioShack will also feature demonstration capabilities in its pilot stores to enable consumers to personally experience HD Digital Radio, with the intent to have similar in-store demonstration capabilities when the pilot expands nationally. Learn more about RadioShack’s HD Digital Radio initiative online at www.RadioShack.com/HDradio.
“RadioShack is the first major, national retail brand to become a part of the HD Digital Radio revolution, and they are doing so in an exciting and dramatic way. We are delighted to have them as our partners,” said Peter Ferrara, president and C.E.O. of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. “Consumers are joining the digital radio revolution in droves at this point as they realize the incredible value HD digital radio offers – great sound, exciting new HD2 programming choices and the unique local connection that this technology provides.”More than 100 RadioShack stores in the Dallas/Fort Worth area are now stocking HD Digital Radio receivers for the pilot launch, as are several dozen additional stores in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Washington, D.C. This announcement underscores the momentum of HD radio as the latest entrant into the consumer digital entertainment space and RadioShack’s ability to help drive adoption rates of new technology across mainstream America by leveraging its assets of almost 5,000 stores staffed with knowledgeable sales associates.
“RadioShack has been a destination point for generations of customers looking to fulfill their home and portable radio needs, and HD Digital Radio technology is clearly the most significant advancement in terrestrial radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago,” said Jim Hamilton, RadioShack executive vice president, merchandising and marketing. “By making a one-time purchase of an HD Digital Radio receiver, customers will benefit from crystal-clear, static-free reception, great new local programming and no subscription fees. This is exactly the type of cutting edge technology our customers have come to love and expect from their neighborhood RadioShack stores, and we’re happy to be delivering what’s undoubtedly one of the hottest new digital entertainment options around.”
RadioShack stores in the pilot program will initially carry the table top Boston Acoustics Recepter Radio® HD priced at $299.99, with the plan to add exclusive RadioShack receivers in the fall when the pilot expands nationally. Customers will be exposed to in-store, online and point-of-purchase educational support backed with comprehensive employee training and customized advertising running on all HD Digital Radio Alliance-member stations directing customers to shop at RadioShack for their HD Radio needs. RadioShack will also feature demonstration capabilities in its pilot stores to enable consumers to personally experience HD Digital Radio, with the intent to have similar in-store demonstration capabilities when the pilot expands nationally. Learn more about RadioShack’s HD Digital Radio initiative online at www.RadioShack.com/HDradio.
Ferrara says the ability of AM and FM stations to broadcast their programming digitally is a tremendous leap that provides a significantly improved listening experience and expanded local programming choices for nothing more than the cost of an HD Digital Radio receiver. Consumers listening to HD Digital Radio receive FM channels with near-CD quality sound, AM radio with FM-quality sound, brand new HD2 multicast channels and formats, and the transmission of additional information on the display device such as song titles, artist information, traffic alerts, stocks and sports scores.
To date, 3,000 U.S. radio stations have committed to the revolutionary technology. More than 800 radio stations are currently broadcasting primary signals in HD Digital, reaching 75% of the U.S. population, expanding to 1200 stations and 90% of the population by the end of this year. By July 31 of this year, the number of stations broadcasting HD2 multicast channels with exciting new music formats is expected to grow to 400.
“Having RadioShack on board represents yet another leap forward in getting this exciting new technology into the consumer marketplace ahead of schedule,” said Ferrara. “The Alliance was formed to make that happen, and we are grateful for the involvement of our committed, visionary partners. Together we are driving truly unprecedented momentum and faster consumer adoption than anyone had imagined possible.”
About the HD Digital Radio Alliance
The HD Digital Radio Alliance is a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD Digital Radio. Current members include ABC Radio (in Los Angeles and Minneapolis), Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, CBS Radio, Citadel Broadcasting, Clear Channel Radio, Cumulus, Emmis Communications, Entercom, Greater Media, and Susquehanna.
About RadioShack
Fort Worth, Texas-based RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) is one of the nation’s most trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers and a growing provider of business-to-business retail support services. The company operates a vast network of sales channels, including: nearly 6,000 company-owned and dealer stores; over 100 RadioShack locations in Mexico; and more than 700 wireless kiosks. RadioShack’s knowledgeable and helpful sales associates deliver convenient product and service solutions within five minutes of where 94 percent of all Americans either live or work. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, visit www.RadioShackCorporation.com. To learn more about RadioShack products and services or to purchase items online, visit www.RadioShack.com.
