Posted by chicagomedia.org on April 27, 2009 at 11:34:00:
Clear Channel And Arbitron Deal Not Looking Good
According to sources familiar with the matter, ongoing discussions have not been going well between CLEAR CHANNEL and ARBITRON for a new contract, to replace the one that expired 12/31/08, and have deteriorated since the situation was first reported by ALL ACCESS last week, (NET NEWS 4/21).
Now CLEAR CHANNEL is looking at going without ratings in the markets where NIELSEN can't immediately accelerate its rollout plans.
The thinking is that web revenues are strong and growing with plenty of measurement there, and CLEAR CHANNEL is questioning the cost structure that ARBITRON is proposing, given the decline in AM and FM revenues.
ARBITRON has been contacted for comment and declined to do so.