IBiquity Digital has announced that its HD Radio Ad Network will launch Radio Disney on HD Radio subchannels in up to as many as 60 markets.
Launching today on Beasley’s 102.7 KCYE-HD2 Las Vegas, Radio Disney will have its advertising sales handled by the HD Radio Digital Network based in New York. The move comes along with iBiquity completing its rollout of the HDRadio Monitoring Network in twelve markets.
iBiquity Digital, the developer of HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, announced today a new distribution agreement with Radio Disney, which will broadcast its unique content on as many as 60 HD2/HD3 Stations nationwide on the HD Radio Ad Network.
Radio Disney is a multi-platform music brand for families and home to some of today’s biggest music artists, the Radio Disney Music Awards and multiple programming events throughout the year. It is widely recognized by the music industry as an influencer to drive music awareness and is among a select group tracked by Billboard and Mediabase Mainstream music panels.
“By working with iBiquity Digital, we expand our distribution footprint onto the FM dial and become more accessible to families looking for music that can be enjoyed by the entire household,” said Eric Goldstein, Vice President, Distribution and Consumer Engagement, Radio Disney.
“Radio Disney values the rapidly growing audience of consumers reached in vehicles equipped with HD Radio Technology and HD Radio receivers in the home – all 100% subscription free,” said Robert Struble, President & CEO of iBiquity. “Syndicating content such as Radio Disney on the HD Radio Ad Network is a big opportunity and we are delighted to have forged our partnership with such a pre-eminent brand as Radio Disney.”
The HD Radio Ad Network is an aggregated network of HD2/HD3 Stations owned and operated by leading radio broadcasters. The Network is now on air in 60 markets nationwide and growing. Advertising sales on Radio Disney HD2/HD3 Stations is managed by iBiquity’s HD Radio Digital Network ad sales team, based in New York City. Collaborative selling between Radio Disney and the Network will also occur.
The HD Radio Ad Network will be on display and featuring live Radio Disney broadcasting via KCYE 102.7 – HD2 at the NAB convention at the HD Radio booth, Central Hall #545, and of course can be heard over the air throughout the Las Vegas Market with any HD Radio receiver.
The HD Radio Ad Network is powered by iBiquity developed technology that provides ad server capabilities to radio broadcasters. The HD Radio Ad Network Ad Server integrates with participating station’s automation systems to automatically insert advertisements into over the air programs. The Ad Server additionally produces real-time affidavits and invoices, thus providing a completely automated means for broadcasters to receive return on investment in HD Radio Technology. The iBiquity HD Radio Ad Network advertising sales team is located in New York City and is selling on behalf of participating broadcasters. Network advertisers include GEICO, McDonald’s, Best Buy and ATT.
The HD Radio Ad Network will be on display at the upcoming NAB convention at the HD Radio booth, Central Hall #545. Additional participating broadcasters are welcome.
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iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, reports that the company has completed phase I of the launch of their nation-wide Monitoring Network, focused on improving the quality of HD Radio broadcast operations and the consumer HD Radio Experience. This network is currently operational in the top 10 radio Markets as well as in Las Vegas and Detroit and the roll out will continue throughout the year to include all of the top 50 radio markets.
The Monitoring Network will help to identify potential station issues as well as gaps in station operations that might adversely affect a consumers’ experience with digital radio broadcasting. Information will be gathered continually from a network of remote listening stations and fed into a central data analysis platform developed by iBiquity. This data will not only be used to ensure quality broadcast operations, but will help quickly diagnose and correct any issues. In addition, the data will feed iBiquity’s digital consumer platforms HDRADIO.COM and the HD Radio Guide App.
iBiquity Digital has partnered with DaySequerra, who has manufactured the field monitors that are being deployed in the various markets. DaySequerra is a leading manufacturer of broadcast monitors and audio solutions for broadcast radio. These monitors are extremely sophisticated and can be deployed by stations directly for dedicated 24×7 station monitoring and automated error correction.
iBiquity Digital has also partnered with Media Monitors in the installation and maintenance of the field monitors. Media Monitors is a leader in local media monitoring for broadcast radio, TV and other media services. The company has a strong presence in all of the leading radio markets where the HD Radio field monitors will be deployed.
“We are extremely proud of our collaboration in launching the HD Radio Monitoring Network”, said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity. “With 25 million HD Radio receivers in use today and over 40% of all new cars shipping with the technology, it is critical that users have the best possible experience. We are dedicated to a vibrant future for broadcast radio and believe this network will contribute to that future.”
“This is an exciting time for us to be involved with iBiquity Digital in the launch of the HD Radio Monitoring Network”, said David Day, President of DaySequerra. “These second –generation Market Area Monitors (MAM2) provide detailed and accurate measurements on various HD Radio parameters such as time/level alignment, power levels, signal quality and data services.”
Philippe Generali, President/CEO of Media Monitors, commented, “We are thrilled to provide services to another key player of the US broadcast industry such as iBiquity.”
HD Radio products are available nationwide at thousands of locations. Retailers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Amazon, Crutchfield, Car Toys and many more, offer a wide variety of models in multiple categories.
CE brands continue to offer HD Radio equipped products, across virtually all product categories including Aftermarket Car Stereo, AV Receivers, Tabletop and docking devices, portable products, and Personal Navigation Devices (PND).
HD Radio receivers are also available from all major auto manufacturers in the U.S., including being offered on over 200 vehicle models of which HD Radio technology is standard on more than 100 of those models. A complete list of vehicles offering HD Radio receivers can be found at this link http://hdradio.com/get-a-radio/new-car.
The HD Radio system is available across the U.S. and Mexico, with more than 2,300 digital stations conversions, and over 1,550 HD2/HD3 digital only channels that broadcast fresh new content that can only be heard with an HD Radio receiver. A sampling of the formats on these extra channels, which vary in different markets around the country, include Dance/Electronica, Bluegrass Country, Comedy, Local Music, Chill/Coffee Shop Music, South Asian, Talk, News, and Sports, to name just a few.