Radio Revolution Hits Brazil

iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer and licenser of digital HD Radio technology, today announced that Brazilian broadcasters have formed the “Brazilian Alliance for Digital Radio” to promote and support the deployment of HD Radio technology in that country.
The announcement is the latest development in the country’s increasingly rapid adoption of the HD Radio system.
There are 16 stations in Brazil broadcasting with HD Radio technology to a coverage area of 30 million people.
Substantial HD Radio field test data obtained from these major radio networks was presented at the Brazilian society of Engineering of Television and Telecommunications (SET) convention in September.
In addition, numerous HD Radio operation reports have been presented to Brazilian regulatory authorities.
“With such a strong base of broadcasters in place and many more stations planning to upgrade to HD Radio technology in the coming months, we felt the time was right to establish an alliance for broadcasters to share their experiences and to work collectively on promoting the technology. The Alliance already has close to 2,500 affiliated radio stations that will support its efforts,” said Acacio Costa, Coordinator of the Brazilian Alliance for Digital Radio.
“Our Alliance is also working closely with receiver manufacturers to support their product development and entry into the market.”
Brazil, and in general South America, has been among the leaders in the international rollout of HD Radio technology.
KISS FM in Sao Paulo was one of the first radio stations outside the U.S. to begin HD Radio broadcasting when it went on the air on September 24, 2005.
Earlier this month, Chilean broadcast equipment manufacturer Continental Lensa became the first licensed HD Radio broadcast equipment manufacturer outside of North America.
“iBiquity is working with broadcasters and equipment manufacturers to ensure the successful rollout of HD Radio in Brazil,” said Robert Struble, President and CEO of iBiquity Digital Corporation, developers of HD Radio technology.
“As the largest country in South America and a worldwide force in radio and television, Brazil has earned a reputation as a global leader in broadcasting. We believe Brazil’s adoption of HD Radio technology will send a powerful message about the many benefits of this system — both for broadcasters and listeners — and inspire other countries to move forward with the adoption of the technology.”
In addition to Brazil and the United States, the list of countries deploying or testing HD Radio technology now includes: Australia, Canada, France, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand and Ukraine.