Daily Research News Online no. 11106 - Former Nielsen Chief Joins Arbitron Board

Former Nielsen Chief Joins Arbitron Board

January 21 2010

John Dimling, former Chairman, President & CEO of Nielsen Media Research, has joined his second Board of the week, the Arbitron Board of Directors. On Tuesday he was appointed to the Advisory Board of neuroscience agency Innerscope.

Dimling joined Nielsen in 1985, and whle there served as President & COO, President & CEO, and as Chairman & Chairman Emeritus. In addition, he was also Chairman of the Board of Directors of NetRatings from 2002 to 2007.

He previously served as Executive Director of the Electronic Media Rating Council, and held positions with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Association of Broadcasters, and was Chairman of the Board of the Advertising Research Foundation.

Earlier this week, it was announced he had joined Arbitron's former President, Chairman & CEO Stephen Morris on Innerscope's Board of Advisors to help the firm identify market demands, and respond with new products and services.

'John brings extraordinary insight and valuable leadership experience in both broadcast media measurement research and technology to Arbitron's board,' stated Philip Guarascio, Chairman of the Arbitron Board of Directors. 'His long history of partnering with the media industry to develop solutions for customers and is a timely asset to help us navigate the changing media environment.'

Dimling takes up his seat on the Arbitron Board following the resignation of Michael Skarzynski, the firm's President & CEO, who it is alleged made a 'misstatement' in his testimony before a US congressional committee hearing last month.

Arbitron continues to face criticism that its PPM (Portable People Meter) audio tracking device undercounts minority radio listeners. The system was recently under review at a hearing of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where Skarzynski allegedly made the false claim.

Web site: www.arbitron.com .