It appears Clear Channel Radio now has competition to deliver local traffic using HD Radio’s data capabilities.
Several major commercial radio groups, plus NPR, have formed a joint venture called the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium to build a nationwide network to distribute local traffic and map-related data.
Founding members of the consortium are Beasley, Bonneville, Cox, Emmis, Entercom, Greater Media, National Public Radio and Radio One.
As membership expands, Lincoln Financial Media has also joined.
“Our purpose is to further accelerate consumer HD receiver penetration and create new revenue,” said Paul Brenner, administrative agent for the consortium and vice president of Integrated Technology for Emmis.
“By leveraging our strengths — low-cost distribution, localized content and digital capacity — we are re-establishing this industry as an innovative means of engaging consumers.”
The consortium is working with Navteq, which provides digital maps and traffic for vehicle navigation to provide real-time traffic to portable navigation devices and in-dash systems.
The group says that the high-bandwidth capacity provided by HD Radio will enable consumers to obtain quality, up-to-date information including traffic flow and points of interest when and where they need it most.
