Ford Touts HD Radio in 2011 Edge
Columbia, Md.-based iBiquity Digital Corp., the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting, announced the launch of a new marketing campaign with Ford Motor Company for its 2011 Edge highlighting the benefits of HD Radio technology.
As part of the campaign, which launched this week, Ford has unveiled a new dedicated Web page for the midsize crossover, along with an 11-week radio advertising blitz. The 2011 Edge is set to hit dealerships in the fall and will offer the world's first automotive implementation of iTunes Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radio receiver.
The radio ads -- featuring five 30-second spots -- will run through Sept. 26 across 600-plus stations in the top 100 U.S. broadcast markets. The ads will tout HD Radio Technology innovations ranging from iTunes Tagging to dramatically expanded radio content via HD2/HD3 channels to noticeably better audio quality. The campaign will air nationally on HD Digital Radio Alliance member stations and from other committed broadcasters. The HD Digital Radio Alliance is a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters whose mission is to accelerate the rollout of HD Radio Technology. Member broadcasters include Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, Buckley Radio, CBS Radio, Citadel Broadcasting, Clear Channel Radio, Emmis Communications, Entercom, Greater Media and WBEB Philadelphia. These broadcasters have continued their commitment of inventory and marketing efforts to support the consumer launch of HD Radio Technology and today Ford is the beneficiary of the industry's dedication to the technology.
Ford has created a dedicated Web page for the 2011 Edge, providing detailed information on the vehicle's technology, which includes a section devoted to HD Radio Technology and a compelling video at this link. http://www.fordvehicles.com/crossovers/edge/features/#page=Feature14 .
"Ford's Edge marketing campaign will demonstrate the great point-of-sale value HD Radio Technology provides our brand partners, and builds on growing awareness and adoption by consumers," said Jeff Jury, iBiquity COO. "New rollout benchmarks are being set by the automotive industry, enabling many new car buyers to experience new HD Radio technology services and capabilities for themselves."
The 2011 Ford Edge features a wide suite of new convenience features and technologies, led by the award-winning MyFord TouchT driver connect technology. Powered by Syncm MyFord Touch is available with a Sony audio system, which incorporates HD Radio technology with iTunes Tagging capability.
HD Radio is digital broadcasting that gives AM signals the static-free clarity of FM and FM signals DVD quality. There are also extra "HD" channels -- as many as three -- piggybacked on each FM signal. HD2 and HD3 channels are broadcast adjacent to a broadcaster's traditional main channel, which is referred to as the HD1. For drivers and their passengers, the extra channels mean an infusion of free music, news and other formats, including new content from emerging artists, local bands, sports, foreign-language programming and much more. Currently, there are over 2,000 radio stations in the U.S. broadcasting with HD Radio Technology, with more than 1,150 airing HD2/HD3/HD4 channels.
To view the full list of HD Radio stations, visit http://hdradio.com/#stationGuideWidgetry.
iTunes Tagging provides drivers with a simple way to capture the identification of a song or other programming they hear on an HD Radio receiver for later sampling and purchase from the iTunes Store. Listeners simply push a button on an equipped HD Radio receiver and the song information is stored for transfer to an iPhone or iPod. When synced to the iTunes Store, the listener is presented with a listing of tagged songs. For more information on iTunes Tagging, go to: www.at.ford.com/SiteCollectionImages/2009_NA/pdfs/itunes_tagging.pdf.
More about iBiquity at www.ibiquity.com.
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