Wal-Mart Rolls Out HD Digital Radio

BENTONVILLE, Ark. and ORLANDO, Fla., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the world's largest retailer, and the HD Digital Radio Alliance, a joint initiative of leading broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD Digital Radio, announced that HD digital radio receivers are launching today in 1,989 Wal-Mart stores in 85 markets. The move will be heavily promoted in a major advertising campaign that starts today on Alliance-member radio stations.

In response to anticipated high consumer demand for in-vehicle HD radios, Wal-Mart stores will initially stock the JVC HD-W10 Mobile HD Radio receiver, which provides consumers with a premium HD Radio experience in their cars. The units will retail for less than $190. Wal-Mart has created a variety of programs and educational tools around HD Radio, leveraging the company's multiple points of interaction with consumers.

"We know our customers want mobile HD digital radio products," said Tim Clark, automotive buyer for Wal-Mart. "We're thrilled to offer a high-quality unit like the JVC stereo at a competitive price that will make it easy for customers to discover the great benefits of HD Radio."

The move by Wal-Mart will be supported by new radio spots that represent the next phase of the Alliance's $250 million marketing campaign announced in December. The spots will include a mix of :15s and :30s in all 85 markets.

"Wal-Mart brings HD Radio to an incredible new level of reach and power and we are very grateful for their leadership," said Peter Ferrara, president and CEO of the HD Digital Radio Alliance. "This underscores that HD Radio is now within easy reach of millions of consumers nationwide and Wal-Mart is an ideal partner to make that possible. Wal-Mart customers not only get a terrific HD digital radio at a great price, but they can hear lots of new radio stations on the dial for free!"

Over 1,100 radio stations currently broadcast in HD, with over 600 offering HD2 multicasts featuring a wide variety of new formats and content. HD Radio offers crystal clear digital sound and more choices, with no subscription fee.

HD Radio(TM) is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation. About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Every week, more than 127 million customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $245 million to local United States communities. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfacts.com/, http://www.walmart.com/, or http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.

About the HD Digital Radio Alliance

The HD Digital Radio Alliance is a joint initiative of leading radio broadcasters to accelerate the successful rollout of HD digital radio. Current members include major radio groups and independent station owners: ABC Radio (in Los Angeles and Minneapolis), Beasley Broadcast Group, Bonneville International, CBS Radio, Citadel Broadcasting, Clear Channel Radio, Cumulus, Emmis Communications, Entercom, Greater Media and independent owner Jerry Lee with WBEB Philadelphia. For more information on HD digital radio, visit http://www.hdradio.com/.