Arbitron Sues Former Client for Data Breach

US ratings giant Arbitron is taking legal action against former client Magic Broadcasting, which it claims is guilty of using its data after declining to renew its contract in 2010.

Six station broadcaster Magic originally signed up in 2005 to receive basic ratings in Dothan, Alabama as well as supplementary services - but let the agreement lapse in March 2010. According to Arbitron's allegations, Magic has since been running promotions on its WKMX station, which state that it is the 'most listened to station in the Wiregrass' - a claim which Arbitron says relies on its data.

Two months ago, Arbitron also accused Magic of improperly using its information when broadcasting that a particular show had moved up from 'seventh in the market to first, among women aged between 18 to 49'. Arbitron sent Magic a 'cease-and-desist' letter following the breach.

In addition, the ratings company is charging Magic with trying to obtain Arbitron numbers from a former sister station in Panama City.

A pre-trial conference has been arranged on February 17, 2012.

Web site: www.arbitron.com .