Arbitron's new Portable People Meter, or PPM, is not magical or mystical, nor is it the greatest invention ever created to assist radio and its advertisers in separating consumers from their cash. What it will do is monitor passive radio listening, show increases, and help improve strategic marketing for businesses. It will, however, be a challenge for radio to learn how to manipulate the results of the new report card.
Who is Arbitron?
Arbitron Inc. is a media and marketing research firm, serving media, radio, television, cable, Internet streaming, advertisers, and advertising agencies in the United States. Its core business is to measure network and local market radio audiences, surveying retail, media, and product patterns of consumers in local markets. Arbitron provides software to analyze media audience and marketing information data. The company has now developed the Portable People Meter, a new electronic technology for media and marketing research and measuring radio.
Through the years, there have been few competitors. By default, Arbitron is currently a monopoly. Through a joint venture with The Nielsen Company, Arbitron also provides additional media and marketing research services to television, newspaper, and online industries. Its marketing and research headquarters are in Columbia Maryland, and the executive offices are located in New York City.
Electronic Measurement
Article comments
1 - Dr. Juliann Mitchell, PhD
I didnt know listening to the radio could be so complicated in terms of collecting data about the average listener. Very nice job, informative and up to date links on a timely and complex topic.
2 - Radio Coach Sam Weaver
Radio has always been a sound coming out of an object, most believing it is a 7 day a week, 24 hour operation. All true for what is heard, however, commercial radio exists for profit. Therefore, there has always been a system in place to measure results and justify charging for the airing of commercials. It is a high stakes game providing salaries for all those concerned in advertising and radio.
3 - Radio Talent Coach Sam Weaver
Traditional radio, Internet Radio, and podcasting all require the same verbal communications skills.