14 DAY TRIAL // Despite constantly pushing the envelope with its iPod digital media player, Apple has not forgotten about the radio industry. Taking things beyond simply radio tuner accessories, Apple is an important partner to the companies that are pushing the radio industry forward.
Clear Channel Radio has just announced that it will be offering digital radio broadcasts for the devices supporting Apple's implementation of the new HD digital radio tagging feature. "Apple has been a strong supporter of radio, previously making an FM tuner available for the iPod, and we view their support of HD digital radio as an enormous opportunity," said John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio, in the press release. "All of our FM stations broadcasting in HD digital radio will be available on these important and unprecedented devices. With substantial gains in online and on-demand programming already under our belt, there should now be no doubt of radio's ability to constantly evolve and embrace new technology. The iPod is not a competitor to radio -- it is a collaborator in connecting with consumers on a continual basis."
The announcement goes hand in hand with the I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 from Polk Audio that was also announced today. The I-Sonic is the first to offer a "buy" button for songs broadcast in HD digital radio, giving users the freedom to purchase and download songs they discover on the company's FM-frequency HD digital radio broadcasts via Apple's iTunes service. Once a user 'tags' a song, they can purchase it or simply find out more information about it when their iPod is synced with iTunes. The display screen indicates which HD digital radio stations have songs enabled for this service.
Clear Channel Radio urged all radio broadcasters to fully support the new capability, although it will probably be a while before 'tagging' becomes an everyday occurrence.