Nielsen Settles Arbitron Case against Florida Broadcaster

Nielsen has reached a settlement agreement with Jacksonville-based Renda Broadcasting, which Arbitron had accused of using its radio ratings information without paying.

Last June, prior to its acquisition by Nielsen, Arbitron filed a suit in the District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleging that Renda had continued to use its ratings for more than eighteen months after its contract for them expired in December 2010.

At the time, Arbitron said the broadcaster had 'illicitly obtained copies of its reports and database... from an advertising agency in or near the Jacksonville, Florida area', via Renda's General Manager Bill Reese. The suit also claimed other execs at the company had requested and made use of Arbitron's figures.

Arbitron claimed at least $150,000 per 'infringing act' along with other amounts totalling well over $500,000. While terms of the agreement between Nielsen and Renda have not been disclosed, the case was dismissed 'with prejudice' and each party will be responsible for paying its own legal costs.

Web site: www.nielsen.com .