INDIANAPOLIS, June 25 /PRNewswire/ — The Broadcaster Traffic Consortium
(BTC), a nationwide coalition of radio companies formed to distribute data via
HD Radio(R) technology, announced that three additional radio companies will
contribute spectrum to the venture: Cumulus Media (Nasdaq: CMLS), Hubbard
Broadcasting and Cobalt Operating, LLC.
The three new partners complement the current BTC coverage by providing
key market contributions, particularly in medium and smaller markets across
the United States.
The Broadcaster Traffic Consortium is building a first-of-its-kind
nationwide network to distribute traffic data via radio technology. BTC is
working with NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital maps and traffic for
vehicle navigation and location-based solutions. BTC will use HD Radio
technology to broadcast real-time NAVTEQ Traffic and other location-based
information to portable navigation devices and automobile in-dash systems. The
high bandwidth capacity provided via HD Radio technology will enable consumers
to obtain high-quality, up-to-date information, including traffic flow and
points of interest, when and where they need it most.
The Board of BTC also announced that Paul Brenner has been named president
of the organization. Brenner previously held the title of administrative agent
for the consortium; he remains VP of integrated technologies for Emmis
Communications. “The addition of Cumulus, Hubbard and Cobalt enhances the
coverage of the system,” said Brenner, “and it demonstrates the inclusive
nature of BTC.”
Founding members of BTC are Beasley Broadcast Group; Bonneville
International Corporation; Cox Radio, Inc.; Emmis Communications; Entercom
Communications Corp.; Greater Media; NPR and Radio One. The growing membership
base contributes to BTC’s burgeoning national footprint and includes such
additional prominent organizations as Lincoln Financial Media. BTC broadcasts
across a comprehensive suite of NAVTEQ Traffic and location content and
services used by application service providers, original equipment
manufacturers and automakers.
BTC is the alignment of the traditional radio business model with
high-growth, consumer-demand applications. “BTC represents a considerable
commitment to innovation by all the participants,” said 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.”
BTC represents a data distribution service that allows broadcasters to
expand beyond traditional audio programming as their sole use of the HD Radio
spectrum 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.
Broadcaster Traffic Consortium, LLC
The Broadcaster Traffic Consortium, LLC is a company formed to build a
nationwide terrestrial broadcasting network to distribute local traffic and
other map-related data via radio technology. Founding members are Beasley
Broadcast Group; Bonneville International Corporation; Cox Radio, Inc.; Emmis
Communications; Entercom Communications Corp.; Greater Media; NPR and Radio
One.
About NAVTEQ
NAVTEQ is a leading provider of comprehensive digital map information for
automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based
mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ creates
the digital maps and map content that power navigation and location-based
services solutions around the world. The Chicago-based company was founded in
1985 and has approximately 3,300 employees located in 167 offices and in 31
countries. NAVTEQ is a trademark in the U.S. and other countries. All rights
reserved.
HD Radio(R) is a proprietary trademark of iBiquity Digital Corp.
SOURCE Broadcaster Traffic Consortium