Nielsen to Ramp Up PPM Sample Size

From the middle of next year, Nielsen will be increasing the sample size of its radio panel by 10 percent, in 48 Portable People Meter (PPM) markets across the US.

The PPM audio measurement tool was developed by ratings giant Arbitron, which was acquired by Nielsen in 2012 (and is now known as Nielsen Audio). Nielsen's enhanced PPM panel will have more than 80,000 installed meters, which means that on an average day, more than 65,000 panelists will contribute to the ratings. The increase represents more than 6,000 additional panelists on a daily basis across the aggregate of PPM markets, and will be distributed proportionally across all demographics.

Brad Kelly (pictured), MD for Nielsen Audio, comments: 'An increase in the PPM sample size is the number one priority for our clients. With this investment, Nielsen is doubling down on its commitment to the radio industry and addressing the needs of our clients. We are thrilled to roll out this enhancement that will continue to build a stronger radio advertising marketplace'.

With the recently announced acquisition of Gracenote, Nielsen says it will be exploring ways to use the company's footprint in more than 70 million Car Infotainment systems, as well as Gracenote's expertise in automatic content recognition (ACR), to help expand Nielsen's own measurement of in-car audio and in-car digital listening.

Web site: www.nielsen.com .