Radio, while indeed cutting back, adds the human element. Local
information, local personalities, local commercials on where to buy "back
to
school" clothes, local concert information, local weather, traffic, news
and
discussion of local issues. local candidates and Election information.


OK, but it takes a large number of listeners to generate the revenue to
pay
those people. If the total number of listeners in a market remain the
same,
how many of the new HD channels can be fully staffed?

Like you said previously, FM started out with simulcats, automation and some
network programming.

HD channels are starting out by adding additional music formats to
markets....formats that could not survive on the dial otherwise. Time will
allow them to grow. Expecially if cars start coming with HD stock.

Many markets have lost their Classical outlet....some have lost their Jazz
formats in recent years.

HD has made these formats available in markets (for free)....