This is the second installment on the revolutionary electronic measurement method that will change revenues for radio and advertising agencies forever. The Encoder
To be electronically measured for ratings, radio stations (both Arbitron subscribers and non-subscribers) are eligible to receive free encoders that send out continuous silent audio signals. The Portable People Meters are worn by survey panelists and detect the transmitted inaudible codes. A Radio Broadcast Company has to inform Arbitron on the number of stations owned.
There will be two encoders sent to each station. One will be activated and placed in the transmitter rack; the other serves as a backup. For individual recognition, each station gets an ID code, which is transmitted within the silent audio signal. Upon request, separate encoders will be sent to stations wishing to separately market other forms of digital audio, such as Internet, podcasts, or HD stations. Sirius/XM satellite radio will also be provided encoders for measurement. Although the encoders are free for radio broadcasters, only Arbitron subscribers can use the ratings results for sales or marketing. Survey Panel Selection
The methodology for selection is the same as for Arbitron's paper diary markets: households are randomly chosen to serve on Portable People Meter panels, with family members referred to as panelists. The socio-demographic composition, age, sex, and race, determine the number of panelists for the sample size of a market. Arbitron uses information provided by the U.S Census Bureau for electronic measurement. Panels are built through the use of zip codes with listed landline phone numbers and cell phone-only households.
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