Posted by chicagomedia.org on April 10, 2008 at 11:44:21:
Broadcasters Combine For HD Traffic Network
INDIANAPOLIS -- April 9, 2008: Emmis, Beasley, Bonneville, Cox Radio, Entercom, Greater Media, Radio One, and NPR have formed a new joint venture, the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium, to build a nationwide network to deliver traffic information via HD Radio technology. BTC will broadcast NAVTEQ's real-time traffic and other location-based information to portable and in-dash navigation systems.
The group said it "represents a data distribution service that allows broadcasters to expand beyond traditional audio programming as their sole use of the HD Radio spechicagomedia.orgum and enable major service providers, like NAVTEQ, to leverage broadcasters' free, over-the-air systems to meet consumer demand for interactive user-specific data applications."
"BTC represents a considerable commitment to innovation by all the participants," said Emmis VP/Integrated Technology and administrative agent for BTC Paul Brenner. "Our purpose is to further accelerate consumer HD receiver penetration and create new revenue. By leveraging our strengths -- low-cost distribution, localized content, and digital capacity -- we are re-establishing this industry as an innovative means of engaging consumers."
Along with the eight founding member groups, BTC says it has a growing membership base that includes Lincoln Financial Media.