Clear Channel rolls out digital radio

From Reuters:

"Clear Channel Communications Inc., the largest U.S. radio station owner, on Thursday will roll out digital broadcasting equipment to 1,000 stations in a bid to improve sound quality and keep listeners from tuning into the growing satellite radio market, the company said.

Clear Channel is rolling out equipment as part of a deal with iBiquity Digital Corp. Terms were not disclosed.

Clear Channel said it planned to install the high-definition equipment in 95 percent of its top 100 markets within three years."
"By converting to high-definition digital signals, Clear Channel and other analog radio station owners hope to combat claims of higher-quality sound by the fledgling but growing satellite radio industry.

That includes XM Satellite Radio Holdings and Sirius Satellite Radio Inc, which currently have more than 2 million subscribers combined."