Washington - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is letting radio ratings company Arbitron know that it must do more to ensure that its Portable People Meter ratings measurement system does not have a negative impact on minority communities. Arbitron recently made public a letter to Senator Menendez touting its decision to apply nationwide the PPM methodology standard established in a legal settlement with New York, New Jersey and Maryland. Senator Menendez wrote back to Arbitron that such a decision was a positive step, but that the settlement only "established a legal minimum that the PPM methodology must include" and that a better standard must be adopted.

The PPM system has drawn significant criticism because of its tendency to under-represent the listenership of minority-owned radio stations. Senator Menendez has argued that these stations are vital informational and cultural centerpieces of their communities and that the lower ratings resulting from the PPM system drives down revenue and ultimately can force these stations out of business.

PDF of Menendez letter to Arbitron: http://menendez.senate.gov/pdf/031609ReplyLetterArbitron.pdf

Text of letter:

March 16, 2009

Michael P. Skarzynski
President and CEO

Arbitron Inc.
9705 Patuxent Woods DriveColumbia, MD 21046-1572
Dear Mr. Skarzynski,

Thank you for your letter of February 27th. While I appreciate your letter detailing some developments, I am disappointed that it was made available to the press in a manner suggesting that this would resolve my concerns. In view of the fact that you decided to use private correspondence to me in this public manner, I am responding likewise by releasing this letter to the press.

I am encouraged by your efforts to hear concerns from a number of different stakeholders. A viable solution to these issues will take a strong consensus between your company and your clients serving the minority community. While I appreciate the fact that you are taking such productive steps as applying the terms of the settlements in New York, New Jersey and Maryland nationwide, this must not be the endgame. The terms of the settlement simply established a legal minimum that the PPM methodology must include. I do not believe that this is an acceptable standard of service. It is my sincere hope that you continue your efforts working with minority stakeholders towards a comprehensive solution and work tirelessly to attain accreditation for the PPM methodology in all markets.

I believe that Arbitron must provide a service that accurately and consistently measures listening preferences and habits of all audiences regardless of color, race, gender, culture or socioeconomic status. There is simply too much at stake for too many underserved communities. I look forward to being apprised of progress made with the stakeholders serving these vital communities.

Sincerely,

ROBERT MENENDEZ

United States Senator

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