Calling it the largest rollout of RDS in the United States, Clear Channel Radio says it will install the radio data technology on 192 of its FM stations in the top 50 markets by the end of November.
“Clear Channel Radio announced today that it will work with Audemat-Aztec to install dynamic RDS generators across the country, ” the broadcast group stated Wednesday.
RDS technology was introduced in this country about a decade ago, and many stations tried it then; but it failed to catch on widely at the time, despite active efforts by proponents. With more receivers in the market now and more interest in the data potential of radio, supporters say, enthusiasm is growing again.
The technology will let stations scroll artist name and title playing on the air, station call letters, traffic information and other messages for display on radios equipped with RDS.
In its announcement, Clear Channel Radio CEO John Hogan stated, “Clear Channel Radio’s financial and manpower commitment to this initiative is strong evidence of the company’s ongoing effort to provide more, better options for our listeners.”
Christophe Poulain, Audemat-Aztec vice president of business development, said, “As more cars are equipped with RDS, we have seen a steady increase in interest for this technology. “
The product involved on the station side is an Audemat-Aztec FMB80. The company describes it thus:
“Dynamic RDS generator with TCP/IP connectivity provides flexible and easy installation on a network. The FMB80 communicates with the automation software through its serial or Ethernet-TCP/IP ports to send song and artist information and station messages. The IP addressable feature allows radio operators to make changes from anywhere, keeping information displayed relevant and local. The FMB80 also features the TA flag that can display information when the station broadcasts a traffic alert. “
Clear Channel Dives More Deeply Into RDS
Clear Channel Dives More Deeply Into RDS
