Search »

Arbitron Tweaks Survey Instructions to Better Track Satellite Use

Arbitron has announced that the ratings company is still holding off on reporting individual satellite radio channels.

Further study is still needed, particularly for channels and programs such as NFL football or MLB baseball which are broadcast on both over-the-air radio and satellite, according to Arbitron, writes Radio Ink.

The Fall 2006 study has new instructions for participants reminding them to include internet/satellite listening as well as AM and FM.

With the improved instructions, Arbitron believes the volume of satellite entries will rise and the quality of entries to improve. Once that happens, the company will be better able to provide a target date for when satellite channels will be included in the surveys.

Arbitron has also announced that with the release of its Fall 2006 ratings report, non-commercial and public radio stations will be eligible for reporting in their local market reports.

Public and non-commercial radio stations will need to meet the same minimum reporting standards for the particular reporting service that are currently applied to commercial radio stations. These reporting standards apply to listening collected by the standard Arbitron radio listening diary and by the Arbitron Portable People Meter, according to the company.

Related story:
Stern Media Coverage Points to Need for Satellite Ratings