KTRU/Houston Goes To HD Radio To Die

[DToTheJ]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7414663.html

Rice University's student-run radio station will remain on the air after all. The university said Saturday that KTRU will broadcast over a high-definition channel assigned to radio station KPFT, beginning Feb. 14.

In other words, KTRU is basically leaving the air, void of any visibility whatsoever.

 

[Chuck]

This marriage may actually sell some HD radios. With 50,000 watts in Houston, I'm sure KTRU had a following. In fact, it might make a lot of sense for full power HD broadcasters to invite small stations - even LPFM's - to simulcast on their HD-2 channels at little or no cost. Frequently stations like this have a very loyal audience. The possibility of increased coverage for them would be attractive to both the station management and their listeners. I suspect that some people would spring for new radios if it increased their coverage area

The deal could be attractive to the host station, especially if they are doing little or nothing with the HD-2’s and HD-3 channels. With some exceptions, there seems to be little or nothing unique to listen to on these new “channels between the channels.” This could be a step toward fixing that. Nobody but an occasional radio geek or two is going to go out of their way to buy an HD radio without something interesting to listen to.

The real problem would come down the road if HD actually gained some traction, and the host station decided they wanted the sub channel back. That could get very sticky. Get a good contract up front.

 

[tomservo]

It can't hurt, especially if they're not paying the power bill.

Most listeners, being college-aged, will no doubt migrate to internet, but having an HD feed for those at work or in the car is a nice backup.

 

[DToTheJ]

Well, if it helps sell more HD radios in Houston, more power to 'em. Valid points have been brought up to support this. If sales remain flat after this venture, HD is just continuing its flatline.