Cumulus and Arbitron Cement Multi-Year Deal

In the US, radio broadcaster Cumulus Media Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement for Arbitron's diary and PPM ratings services covering 450 of its stations in 100 markets.

The total includes 44 diary markets where Cumulus stations will have access to the service for the first time in more than three years; 39 diary markets where it is renewing; and 17 renewals for the PPM. The deal will also give Cumulus access to Arbitron software applications, Scarborough consumer profile services, and national and network radio ratings for its Media Networks. The two companies will also collaborate on cross-platform services.

New CEO Sean Creamer (pictured) comments: 'We are pleased to have Cumulus once again as a subscriber to Arbitron's radio ratings services in each of its Arbitron-measured markets'. Cumulus Chairman and CEO Lew Dickey says the deal represents 'a long-term commitment' by the two firms 'to collaborate for the benefit of the radio industry', and adds: 'We look forward to participating in the development of an integrated, total radio audience service that gives broadcasters full credit for our audiences regardless of how listeners access our content.'

Cumulus is the largest pure-play radio broadcaster in the United States and the country's second largest owner and operator of AM and FM radio stations with approximately 525 stations in 110 markets.

The firms are online at www.arbitron.com and www.cumulus.com .