PocketRadio said:
It's not for them, it's for US. It's so their "border stations" can continue to compete in our markets.
That is a little of it, but most border stations do not program for the US as the Mexican markets they are in are bigger and richer (except Tijuana). The main reason the stations petitioned the SCT is because American side stations get huge listening in Tijuana, Mexicali, Juárez, Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, etc. And the local broadcasters saw HD as a reason why more people in Mexico might listen to US stations in the long run.
Also, don't let "averages" obscure reality. There IS a "well to do" class in Mexico.
Absolutely. Most radio revenue in Mexico is generated by stations that apeal to the upper two socioeconomic classes, A and B, while less use is made of those appealing to C, D and E levels. So the stations in Mexico are protecting themselves against any eventuality that might enhance US stastions, in English, appealing to the upper income levels where they make the most money.