HD Radio™ Adoption By Consumers In 2014 Contributes To Nearly 25 Million Units In Use, Driving New Content Offerings From Broadcasters And High Satisfaction

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- 2015 International CES Show -- iBiquity Digital, the developer of HD Radio™ Technology, announced today nearly 25 million HD Radio units have been sold in the U.S., driving new content and leading to increased listening and high consumer satisfaction. More than 2,000 stations and 98 of the top 100 across the country are now utilizing HD Radio Technology while 75 percent of radio listeners are tuning into top stations broadcasting via HD Radio Technology. Consumers listened to over 6.5 billion hours of HD Radio programming in 2014.

"HD Radio Technology is now shipping in close to half of all cars sold and provides a massive platform for AM/FM broadcasters to offer a rich suite of services in the new Connected Car," said Robert Struble, president and CEO of iBiquity. "With another year of over 30% HD Radio unit sales growth, and corresponding increases in consumer listening, awareness and satisfaction, broadcasters are providing more free, digital quality programming and new HD Radio services than ever before, including a wide range of traditional and genre-specific content."

Content Providers Increase HD Radio Offerings

In 2014, broadcasters across the country have increased their HD Radio offerings, providing consumers with a wide variety of digital quality, subscription-free genres and formats rivaling any satellite or Web-based services. 98 out of the top 100 biggest AM/FM radio stations in the US have upgraded to HD Radio broadcasts. In total, over 2,200 HD Radio stations now cover over 90 percent of consumers across the nation.

Broadcasters across the country have expanded their HD2 and HD3 offerings, providing more than 1,500 diverse channels with a full spectrum of content choices. 2014 content highlights include:

• Community-specific Content: iHeart Media's Pride Radio, one of the country's first stations targeted to the LGBT community is broadcast on HD2 and HD3 channels in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington D.C
• Cultural Music: In Boston, The Irish Channel 96.9 HD2 plays a unique blend of the great Irish sing-a-long songs, patriotic anthems, new contemporary artists and all the top hits in between. The musical flavor of the Emerald Isle has never been better represented.
• Retro stations: Broadcasters are bringing back legendary radio stations including WBCN (98.5 HD2) in Boston and WHFS (106.5 HD2) in Baltimore, and creating new classics like RIFF2 in Detroit (101.1 HD2).  RIFF2's "made in Detroit" format is a mix of alternative and indie rock, electronic, punk, metal from today's and yesterday's Detroit music scene. As an example of its commitment to local music, Detroit's Riff2 has featured an all White Stripes Weekend, and other special programming for various acts, to celebrate the band's series of hometown concerts
• Genres: Reggae (94.9 HD2 San Diego), Smooth Jazz (94.7 HD2 Los Angeles), Slow Jams (92.3 HD2 Los Angeles) and dozens of others bring popular genres not available on analog AM/FM.
• Sports:  CBS Sports Radio offering 24/7 national sports coverage in many markets (e.g., 93.1 HD2 Los Angeles, 101.1 HD3 NYC and 93.7 HD3 Pittsburgh).  In addition, extended and local programming from a wide range of professional and college teams is available in many markets. (e.g., 102.5 HD2 Steelers Nation – Pittsburgh)
• NPR Upgrades: National Public Radio is now offering its member stations various programmed music formats for their HD2, HD3 and HD4 channels, including classical, jazz, electronic, triple-A and folk. Nearly 400 of the NPR member stations have upgraded to HD Radio broadcasting.

"Growth in HD Radio receiver penetration and listening in 2014 motivated AM/FM broadcasters to expand their HD2, HD3 and HD4 programming, building a network of free, diverse content that rivals anything being done over satellite or online," said Joe D'Angelo, SVP of iBiquity.  "We've been excited to see stations extend their brands and services by offering multiple HD Radio programming choices."

Consumer Awareness, Satisfaction and Advocacy High

HD Radio consumer awareness and satisfaction rose accordingly in 2014. Market research revealed 71% of all consumers are aware of the service and 90% of consumers aged 20-39 are aware. Importantly, 91% of HD Radio owners express satisfaction with their experience, and 97% would recommend HD Radio technology to their friends and family. With more broadcasters, auto manufacturers and consumer electronic providers on board than ever before, iBiquity will lead an aggressive consumer marketing campaign in 2015 to continue these encouraging trends.

HD Radio Receiver Growth

All major auto brands now offer factory-installed HD Radio receivers as part of their model lines.  HD Radio receivers are standard equipment on all vehicles sold by eight automakers, including Scion, Mini, Volvo and BMW.  Almost half of all cars sold in the US came equipped with HD Radio receivers in 2014.

At home, HD Radio Technology continues to increase its presence as virtually every CE manufacturer offers the technology in home devices from receivers to tabletop units with leading consumer electronics manufacturers committed to HD Radio Technology including Alpine, Clarion, Denon, Garmin, JVC, Kenwood, McIntosh, Pioneer, Sony and Yamaha.  There are now more than 70 HD products available in the home, automotive aftermarket, portable and navigation segments.  HD Radio products are available now nationwide at 1,000s of retailer locations including as Wal-Mart, Kmart, Best Buy, Costco, Amazon, Crutchfield and many more, supporting a wide variety of models in multiple categories.

The 2014 CES HD Radio Booth is located in the Las Vegas Convention Center Central Hall, Number 8232

About iBiquity Digital Corporation

iBiquity Digital Corporation is the developer of HD Radio™ Technology, which is fueling the digital radio revolution in the United States and around the world. The digital technology enables broadcasters to offer new and unique FM content via HD2/HD3 channels, crystal-clear sound and data services on both the AM and FM bands – all free, with no subscription fee. Leading broadcasters, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers and retailers are committed to HD Radio Technology. iBiquity Digital is a privately held company with operations in Columbia, MD, Auburn Hills, MI, and Piscataway, NJ. For additional information visit www.hdradio.com and www.ibiquity.com.

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Note to editors: HD Radio™, Artist Experience, and the "HD Radio" logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp. The "HD" in HD Radio™ is part of iBiquity Digital's brand name for its advanced digital AM/FM system. It does not mean hybrid digital or high-definition digital; both of these are incorrect.

SOURCE iBiquity Digital Corporation

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