Some radio groups supported HD-R but shied from joining the alliance in 2005 because they didn’t like the HD2 format selection process. Now those rules are easing.
To flip or introduce an HD2 format, an alliance member needed an alliance OK; now it doesn’t. Under the new rules, stations are still prevented from airing a format that already exists in the market on either analog or HD2 channels.
Ferrara says the alliance is talking to additional broadcasters about joining, and “many of them are,” he said, though he did not state who those are or when they might be announced.
Current members include Beasley, Bonneville, CBS, Citadel/ABC Radio, Clear Channel, Emmis, Entercom, Greater Media and indy WBEB(FM), Philadelphia.
