Greater Media stations get two new HD2 multicast channels

Greater Media Inc. has announced details of two new HD2 multicast channels in the New Jersey market. In addition to WDHA-FM and WMGQ-FM, Greater Media New Jersey will soon be able to double its program offerings to WRAT-FM and WJRZ-FM listeners with an HD radio by providing a wide variety of free multicast channels.

HD radio is a digital signal that provides CD-quality sound and has the ability to display more text information than a traditional radio. It eliminates the static, hiss, pop and fades associated with analog signals, so for listeners, AM-band broadcasts sound like FM and FM-band broadcasts have digital CD-like quality.

The wireless data feature enables text information on songs to be broadcast directly to receiver display screens. HD radio also enables radio broadcasters to segment a single, existing radio frequency so that it can carry multiple, simultaneous, higher quality AM and FM broadcast streams as well as wireless data.

"RAT 2" will be the name of the new female-friendly rock-based format which will play a variety of artists ranging from the Pretenders to Coldplay. The multicast channel will complement WRAT's current male-dominated rock format.

"I am thrilled to have been chosen to take on this extraordinary challenge," said Robyn Lane, program director of the new format. "WRAT is already the market's rock authority, and no one is in a better position to launch this special format than we are."

Lane also currently serves as the WRAT assistant program director and midday personality.

She added, "While WRAT is a predominately male-oriented station, 'RAT 2' will provide great music for the female end of the rock spectrum."

A sample hour: Pretenders, "Brass in Pocket"; Coldplay, "Yellow"; U2, "Desire"; Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Dani California"; The Cure, "I'm in Love"; Joe Jackson, "Is She Really Going Out With Him"; Dave Mathews Band, "The Space Between"; Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy"; Pearl Jam, "Daughter"; Depeche Mode, "Enjoy the Silence"; The Raconteurs, "Steady As She Goes"; Beck, "Where It's At"; and The Killers, "When You Were Young."

"Classic Oldies," WJRZ-FM's HD2 multicast channel, will feature a variety of music ranging from the traditional doo-wop sound to Elvis Presley and the pre-British invasion.

"We are very excited about being able to offer the greatest hits from the golden age of rock and roll on HD2," said Jeff Rafter, operations manager and program director of WJRZ-FM. "It is a perfect complement to what we are doing on WJRZ."

Sample hour: Beach Boys, "Surfin' USA"; Chuck Berry, "Johnny B. Goode"; Contours, "Do You Love Me?"; Four Seasons, "Sherry"; Shirelles, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow"; Jan and Dean, "Surf City"; Elvis Presley, "Heartbreak Hotel"; Crystals, "Da Doo Ron Ron"; Dion, "The Wanderer"; and Chubby Checker, "The Twist."

Both channels are expected to launch at the end of 2006. Greater Media currently has HD2 multicast channels up and running in the Boston, Detroit and Philadelphia markets.

"We are thrilled to be able to unveil details of our two new HD2 Multicast channels. It's a great opportunity for us to provide our listeners with even more music options in the market," said Dan Finn, vice president and market manager of Greater Media New Jersey.

"We are very excited that our HD presence expands throughout New Jersey and look forward to using our strong programming minds at Greater Media's radio properties," said Buzz Knight, vice president of program development for Greater Media Inc.

An HD radio buyers guide and a complete list of national advertisers selling HD radios are available to consumers on www.hdradio.com.

WRAT and WJRZ are owned and operated by Greater Media New Jersey, a subsidiary of Greater Media Inc., the parent company of 19 AM and FM radio stations in the Boston, Detroit, New Jersey and Philadelphia markets. It also owns a modern printing plant and a group of weekly newspapers in central New Jersey as well as several telecommunications towers located throughout the United States.