The HD Digital Radio Alliance has announced 17 more markets to introduce HD Radio in, as the fourth wave of its rollout across the country. The new markets are: Grand Rapids, MI; Fresno, CA; Wilkes-Barre, PA; Allentown; Knoxville, TN; Omaha; Akron, OH; Wilmington; Sarasota, FL; Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz, CA; Syracuse; Harrisburg; Stockton, CA; Bakersfield, CA; Baton Rouge; Toledo and Little Rock.

“With the addition of these 17 markets we have successfully launched HD Radio in 85 markets in just one year. That means there are now more than 600 new radio stations on the air with HD2 programming that is unique, diverse and local to each market. That is a huge benefit and value for the consumer that buys an HD Radio” said HD Digital Radio Alliance President/CEO Peter Ferrara.

New HD side channel formats in the works for these markets include Jazz & Blues, Standards and Slow Jams & Dance.

Clear Channel Radio announced that with these additional markets, it now will have HD2 programming up and running on 320 stations in 81 markets.