Clear Channel Hires Former Arbitron Exec

In the US, Clear Channel Radio has hired former Arbitron researcher Bob Michaels for the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Research, responsible for supervising projects and personnel across all terrestrial and digital platforms.

Clear Channel Radio has a weekly audience of more than 110 million, and its operations include radio broadcasting, syndication and independent media representation. Michaels joins with more than 30 years' experience in the radio and television industry, and most recently ran his own company Bob Michaels' MediaSense.

Prior to this, he was VP of PPM Programming Services for Radio and Television at Arbitron, where he led 34 day-long Arbitron PD Seminars, was Executive Editor of 'PD News', co-created the PD Advantage service, and oversaw the redevelopment of the Arbitron Programmer's Package.

Earlier in his career, Michaels served in various roles in local radio stations, and his TV sales experience was with WGAL-TV.

In his new role, Michaels will develop data-based performance metrics to compare and evaluate local and group-wide absolute audience achievement, and also create new methods of data acquisition and modernize traditional methods. He will also supervise Clear Channel-owned research enterprises including Critical Mass Media.

'Bob's important role in designing diary and PPM programming analysis tools combined with his unique ability to synthesize this data to rating and revenue benefits will increase Clear Channel's consumer insights,' said EVP of Content/Programming, Tom Owens, to whom Michaels will report. 'We welcome Bob to the Clear Channel Radio family.'

Web site: www.clearchannel.com .