Update on PPM

Arbitron has recently announced an update on the status of its Portable People Meter development programme in the USA, a new radio, television and cable audience ratings technology that Arbitron has been testing in Philadelphia since the fourth quarter of 2000.

Arbitron and Nielsen Media Research signed an agreement in May of 2000 that gives Nielsen Media Research the option, after evaluating test results and market support, to join Arbitron in a future deployment of the PPM system in the United States. The two parties are now negotiating an amendment to their existing agreement that would provide for further research and development of the Arbitron Portable People Meter audience measurement system.

'Since Arbitron began the Portable People Meter market trial in 2000, Nielsen has increased its involvement and commitment with each new phase of the development program,' said Steve Morris, president and chief executive officer, Arbitron Inc. 'Our two companies are looking at the possibility of defining one or more additional phases of research and development that would precede any decision to form a joint venture to deploy the Portable People Meter in the United States.'

'The details of this programme are being discussed and will be announced at an appropriate time' added Mr. Morris. 'The outcome of this discussion, along with the results of this enhanced R & D programme and acceptance of our efforts in the marketplace, would determine whether Nielsen will commit to the formation of the joint venture and the commercial deployment of the Portable People Meter.'

Before this announcement, both Arbitron and Nielsen had acknowledged that, at the earliest, the potential joint venture might have been formed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2002.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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