Harris Corporation announced on 8 December that its Broadcast Communications Division has struck a multi-million dollar business relationship with Cox Radio for the provision of digital transmitters through 2008. Cox Radio, with 78 stations in 18 markets, is the eighth largest radio broadcasting company by number of stations, and the fourth largest by audience and revenue. Cox has committed to Harris for its HD Radio transmission needs over the next four years as its stations convert to digital and HD Radio.
“HD Radio conversion is important to the radio business in order to remain competitive with other content providers,” said Sterling Davis, vice president, engineering, Cox Radio. “We don’t want to be the only analog service in a digital world. Our relationship with Harris allows us to develop a roadmap for implementing HD Radio, including additional benefits such as supplementary audio and data services. We’ve always had a good business relationship with Harris, and are extending that relationship into the digital radio world.”
The decision to install low-power or high-power transmitters will depend on the individual station’s physical layout and power requirements. In addition, some stations will not need transmitters or may simply add a second transmitter rather than replace a main unit, according to Davis. In this scenario, a station would simply add a Harris exciter to initiate a digital stream within the existing transmitter. Davis added that Harris provides excellent customer service, which was a leading factor in Cox Radio’s decision to commit to Harris for HD Radio transmission.
“Harris’ Radio Broadcast Systems business unit is privileged to continue its ongoing relationship with Cox Radio, one of radio’s premier broadcasters,” said Debra Huttenburg, vice president and general manager of the Harris Radio Broadcast Systems business unit. “We are organized as a smaller company within a large corporation, which allows us to provide immediate feedback and interaction to Cox Radio while offering the business and engineering benefits of a large company. We look forward to working with Cox Radio to provide a clear path to HD Radio as they develop their digital strategy leading to 2008.”
On 8 December Harris Corporation’s Broadcast Communications Division announced that Tony Morelli has joined the Television Broadcast Systems business unit as senior manager, TV Business Programs. Morelli’s position is designed to create business development and growth opportunities within the Television Broadcast Systems business unit, utilizing his skills in program and financial management to drive success. Based in Mason, Ohio, he reports to Dale Mowry, vice president and general manager of Harris’ Television Broadcast Systems business. Morelli becomes responsible for television programs including pursuit management of major contracts, development of adjacent market opportunities, expanded customer satisfaction programs, assessment and integration of television offerings into the division’s eCommerce initiative, and other initiatives that enhance the television business unit’s speed and effectiveness in capturing growth opportunities.