A coalition of radio companies banding together to distribute traffic data over their HD Radio signals has expanded. The group also named a president.
Cumulus Media, Hubbard Broadcasting and Cobalt Operating have joined the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium.
Beasley, Bonneville, Cox Radio, Emmis, Entercom, Greater Media, NPR and Radio One formed the group earlier this year. Lincoln Financial Media subsequently also joined.
Stations will broadcast Navteq traffic and location content and services to portable navigation devices and automobile in-dash systems.
The group sees the traffic data capabilities of HD Radio as a way to accelerate consumer receiver penetration and create new revenue.
The BTC board named Paul Brenner as president of the organization; Brenner had been acting as administrative agent for the consortium and remains vice president of integrated technologies for Emmis.
The new partners complement the BTC coverage by more market penetration, particularly in medium and smaller cities, he said.
