Southern Cross Austereo

About Digital Radio

In the biggest technological change in radio since the introduction of FM, digital radio launched in August 2009 in Australia's mainland state capital centres. In Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, digital radio stations can be heard on DAB+ digital radio receivers, or anywhere by streaming live via stations websites.

In December 2008 Southern Cross Austereo led the industry by launching Australia's first commercial digital radio station, Radar Radio. Radar plays only the best new music, from established artists and up and coming musicians. Visit www.radarradio.com.au. In July 2010 Southern Cross Austereo launched its second permanent digital channel, Barry, dedicated to comedy the best of Southern Cross Austereo's comedic talent as well as international and undiscovered comedians - www.barry.com.au

Southern Cross Austereo has also launched digital radio brands to coincide with advertiser activities and other events. U20 was launched in June 2010 in partnership with the Federal Government's youth campaign The Line. Pink Radio for Optus was also active on digital radio for a 3 month period in 2009 to coincide with Pink's Australian Tour. Now The Main Stage is a digital radio brand that houses some of these short-term stations.

Australia has adopted DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting using AAC+ or MPEG4 audio coding) and was one of the first countries to do this.

The primary benefits of digital radio for consumers are:

1. better digital sound and reception;
2. more choice, with new digital-only stations;
3. easier tuning, by name and not frequency number;
4. pause, rewind & record functionality; and
5. visual text and data information

For more information on digital radio visit www.digitalradio.com.au

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