HD Questions

[tomservo]

Wasn't there some sort of gentleman's agreement to keep the subchannels commercial-free during the early days of hd?

 

[Play Freebird]

Wasn't there some sort of gentleman's agreement to keep the subchannels commercial-free during the early days of hd?

Yes, the HD Alliance was formed by the major groups (like Clear Channel, Cumulus, Infinity/CBS, Entercom, etc.) to promote HD2 channels and decide which formats would be offered. Part of the agreement was that these formats would run commercial-free through 2007, and that's why AM simulcasts were frowned upon, even if proven to attract an audience.

According to a reputable source, the way the "cartel" operated was that the biggest FM station owned by the largest Alliance member in each market got first pick of formats -- then the bosses worked their way down the list before offering the smaller owners a choice, so it's no wonder most of these formats turned out to be flops.

Remember all the hype and hoopla about Clear Channel's "Format Lab"? Here's what was forecast five years ago -- and, well, now we know how this actually turned out:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/clear-channel-unveils-format-lab

http://www.hd-radio-home.com/clear-channel-syndicates-75-channels.html

 

[nd2023]

Even after the HD Alliance allowed HD2s to air commercials, most are still commercial free. Not much use being allowed to sell commercials if no one's buying them.

 

[FMSteve]

Thanks, guys!