HD Radio has long been used to simply rebroadcast an existing AM signal owned by a company. But now Entercom has finally taken a different step, by piggybacking a totally unique format onto a long established FM. 

WTSS-FM, aka Star 102.5 in Buffalo, is now carrying something called "Channel Q" on its HD3 channel, programming aimed at the LGBTQ community. While it's not something I'd probably listen to, this always seemed to me the way HD Radio should be used - to increase choice, not simply to parrot an existing AM station in better quality. 

Many U.S. TV stations already use their subcarriers to carry brand new turn-key services created just for those extra digital signals. I was wondering if radio would ever join the plan. 

Of course, none of this may ever come to pass in Canada, where no TV outlet has ever bothered putting anything up on its second or third channels, I'm guessing because a) they'd have to apply for a new licence to the CRTC, b) CanCon requirements would probably make it less than profitable and c) Rogers, Bell & Corus have no interest in promoting free TV. 

I hope the trend of marketing "new" stations continues in the U.S. It increases choice for the listener, while hopefully making a few extra bucks for the broadcaster at the same time. 

WTSS-FM Adds Channel Q