This weekend musical artists from around the globe gathered at the Grammy Awards presentation, reminding Americans of radio's essential role as the heartbeat of the musical landscape. Radio has always played this important role - providing listeners exposure to new music and providing artists a vehicle to promote their music. Every week 235 million people - 3 million more than last year - turn to radio to hear their favorite songs and discover new music. In fact, 85 percent of listeners say radio is the place they first hear new music.

And radio's role is continuing to grow; now, more than ever, the industry is embracing new technology to engage a new generation and larger audiences. Here are just a few examples:

• iPod: With the launch of the iPhone3G, upgrade of the iPod Touch and Apple’s open application platform new radio applications are turning MP3s into miniature radio receivers.
• HD Radio: HD Radio is one of the most significant advancements in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo over 50 years ago, with close to 2,000 AM and FM stations broadcasting digitally, for free, with the superior sound quality that HD provides. And car companies across America are installing HD Radio as a standard feature.
• Streaming/Internet radio: There are more than 4,200 stations streaming their signals online, reaching over 33 million listeners a week. And online radio continues to grow. New content partnerships are helping to spur the growth of online radio.
• Mobile: Today, 13 percent of mobile phones in the US are FM radio equipped and the radio industry is committed to increasing mobile integration. There is potential to reach close to 260 million consumers through mobile phones and growing momentum: T-Mobile USA recently announced that the new Nokia 7510 phone will launch with T-Mobile USA and include an FM radio as one of its key features.

It's no wonder radio plays such an important role in the music industry. Radio is everywhere – you don't need a cable, or a connection. All you need is a radio – or an MP3 player with radio apps – or a new FM-enabled phone. And you can find music that you’ve never heard, artists new to the scene, innovative formats and much, much more.

To learn more about the bright future of radio, visit www.radioheardhere.com.