Radio Ink: Clear Channel Signs Up For PPM In Philly

Clear Channel Radio CEO John Hogan informed employees via an internal memo that his company has signed up for PPM ratings in Philadelphia, just one day after the first PPM data for that market was released. However, he says Clear Channel remains committed to the process it launched a while back to investigate other forms of electronic measurement, including a test of the Media Audit's cell-phone based system that's slated to launch in Houston.

"I'm pleased to let you know that we've signed a three-year agreement for electronic audience measurement services in the Philadelphia market," Hogan said. "We will begin encoding for Arbitron's Portable People Meter service and we have subscribed to their audience data service."  [ MORE ]

The Showdown in Philadelphia

The "showdown" in Philadelphia between Arbitron and non-encoder Clear Channel enters a critical week.  One week from today (March 8th) will be the first day of encoding for what will become the "currency" report.

Starting March 8th, every day that Clear Channel continues to not encode will count as a "zero" for listening for the day.

On the other hand, Clear Channel continues to encode in Houston.  Will they continue now that the date has been set for PPM data to become currency in that market starting with the release of the June data?

You can bet that somewhere in Columbia there's a truck loaded with encoders parked pointed towards I-95N ready for the 90 minute drive to Philly.   MSO