Consumer Electronics Marketers of Canada Advocate for HD Radio Programming

Consumer Electronic Marketers of Canada has been working for some time to lobby and advocate on behalf of car mobile audio members who have long wanted HD radio programming in Canada. The industry is seeking a solution to bring more value to consumers and improve their listening experience, including traffic and weather. HD radio is available from aftermarket car audio suppliers at affordable prices and most, if not all, vehicle brands sold in North America now offer this feature.

To this end, Susan Winter, Vice President CEMC and a delegation from the CEMC Car Mobile members (Andrew Murphy and Frank D’Angelo, Pioneer and Francisco Lacey, Kenwood) met with Barbara Motzney, Chief Consumer Officer and Executive Director, Consumer Affairs and Strategic Policy, Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Martin Daigle, CRTC, and Steven Harroun, Director General, Strategy at CRTC regarding the introduction of HD radio in Canada. 

CRTC engaged in a national Notice of Consultation in late 2013 to review HD radio in Canada. CEMC provided a submission that is being reviewed in CRTC’s proceedings. CEMC also has been working with Industry Canada regarding HD radio. Industry Canada has expressed its intent to hold a consultation through the Radio Advisory Board of Canada on HD radio. Susan is Executive Vice President of RABC and will actively promote such a consultation and be involved in one that is held, as will be members of the CEMC Car Mobile Committee.

“HD radio broadcasting brings a superior listening experience and a wealth of content for the Canadian listener,” says Frank D’Angelo, Marketing Manager at Pioneer Electronics of Canada, Inc. “Should HD radio programming become available in Canada, consumers will notice immediate benefit. For years, many car aftermarket and OEM head units have been ready to make the most of this technology which offers traffic information, weather updates and the Artist Experience, to name a few.”

For further information and updates, please contact Susan Winter, Vice President, CEMC at swinter@electrofed.com.