Can someone help me with HD radio?  Broadcasters are running a huge on-air schedule for HD radio with questionable results.  Even if HD radio cuts through, is radio willing and able to adjust its business model?

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This year’s survey shows increased awareness and interest in HD radio.  The trouble is that a majority of respondents 14-24 years old simply don’t know of any radio stations broadcasting in HD, so why buy one?

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According to Paragon Media Strategies’ 2007 Youth Radio survey, nearly two-thirds of 14-24 year olds aren’t aware of HD radio.  Of those who are aware of HD radio and would be interested in receiving HD, about 75% say they’d buy an HD radio…for the right price.
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HD can happen – if Big Radio wants it to happen.

At least that’s my take after visiting the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

I’ve been following the rollout of digital platforms for almost ten years now– from the time Europe started developing their various strategies through the days that NPR developed Tomorrow Radio, what today is called HD Radio.

While I’ve always been enamored with the concept, the rollout has repeatedly stubbed its collective toe.

Several issues have hurt badly. Among them, the HD Radio Alliance, which is something of a cartel of commercial broadcasters, made some initial poor decisions. First, in a direct nod to satellite radio (and to their own Achilles heel), they promised that there would be no commercials to start. This was hardly the incentive that GMs needed to get excited about HD prospects. No revenue, no investment. Second, they divvied up the formats so there would be no competition. Again, hardly incentive for any broadcast professional to actually innovate – no threat, no investment.

And then there are those commercials. Yes, they are confusing. But our own research and focus grouping do show increased awareness of something called HD Radio. It’s a start. However, far too many people, even those who have heard of it, have any idea of what it is.

Beyond all that, there were early receivers that weren’t ready for prime time from a performance or price standpoint. And there are the relatively weak signals that struggle when it comes to building penetration. And let’s not forget those who threw in the towel Day One on the premise that Wi-Fi in the car was just around the corner.

But despite the all these negatives, for the first time this year at the CES, I thought, “This thing just might happen.” (Read More)