Opening paragraph:
As we look at the evolution of radio ratings, we can’t help but appreciate the significant role that Arbitron Inc.’s Portable People Meter (PPM) has played. Originally with a delay in implementation ” target=”_blank”> in 2007, the PPM revolutionized the industry despite initial setbacks. Fast forward to 2025, and this technology has now become a crucial part of the media landscape, helping to deliver accurate audience estimates. This post delves into the initial hurdles that the PPM faced, the company’s efforts to address key issues, and the subsequent rollout schedule which set the stage for the PPM’s widespread adoption.
…Company Revises Financial Guidance For 2007
Announcement of PPM Delay
Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) in 2007 that it would delay the commercialization of its Portable People Meter (PPM) radio ratings service in nine markets. New York, Nassau–Suffolk and Middlesex–Somerset–Union were delayed by nine months; Los Angeles, Riverside, and Chicago by six months; and San Francisco, San Jose, and Dallas by three months.
Extension of Paper and Pencil System
In these nine markets, the Company extended the use of the paper and pencil diary system that had been serving the industry since 1965. During the delay, Arbitron continued to work with customers, the Media Rating Council®, other industry organizations, and community groups on the research and business issues related to the Portable People Meter radio ratings service in local markets.
CEO’s Statement
“We remain confident in the audience estimates that the Portable People Meter service is producing. However, over the past three weeks, feedback from our customers, the Media Rating Council, and other constituencies led us to conclude that the radio industry would be better served if we were to delay further commercialization of the PPM in order to address their issues,” said Steve Morris, chairman, president, and chief executive officer, Arbitron Inc.
Future Initiatives and Cooperation
“We already have a number of initiatives in the pipeline for implementation in the first quarter of 2008 that we believe will improve the performance of our PPM samples. Our intention is to expand significantly this list of improvement initiatives by working closely with customers, industry organizations, and community groups. We expect that the Media Rating Council will be a particularly valuable source of guidance and advice on the more technically oriented aspects of this review and improvement process and we intend to work closely with the members of the MRC over the next several months,” said Mr. Morris.
Community Involvement
“We also plan to use the additional time to work closely with community leaders to review the workings of the Portable People Meter service and to gather their insights as to how we might improve compliance among persons 18-34, including ethnic young adults, the diverse communities of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and subsequent markets,” said Mr. Morris.
Revised Portable People Meter Rollout Schedule
The rest of the post includes the revised Portable People Meter Rollout Schedule, financial guidance, and information about a conference call.
#RadioRatings #MediaIndustry #PortablePeopleMeter #ArbitronInc #MediaEvents
