Clear Channel Radio has made a commitment to digital radio, announcing that 200 of its radio stations will be airing HD digital radio broadcasts by the end of the month. Earlier this year, Clear Channel Radio announced that its roll out of HD digital radio included broadcasts on 65 of its stations. The company is now on track to air HD digital radio broadcasts on 95 percent of its stations in the Top 100 markets by the end of 2007.

"Clear Channel Radio’s accelerated roll-out of HD digital radio is helping create a market for superior services for both radio listeners and advertisers," said Clear Channel Radio EVP of Distribution Development Jeff Littlejohn. "Our momentum in rolling out HD digital radio, which is ahead of schedule, is an indicator of the company’s enthusiasm about the higher-quality listening experience, strengthened by the data services and multicasted programming available only through HD digital radio."

In making the announcement, CCR touts that, "HD digital radio upgrades AM and FM radio stations by adding a digital signal to the existing analog signal. The result is superior audio with AM radio sounding like FM, and FM radio that is CD-quality. To enjoy the benefits such as additional programs that are broadcast through a single station via multicasting, an HD digital radio receiver must be purchased. Upon purchase of an HD digital radio receiver, the enhancements and additional programming are available without a subscription fee."