Arbitron Filing Cites CC, CMLS Moves for Down Revs

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In a 10q filing with the SEC, Arbitron reveals that Cumulus and Clear Channel's move to Nielsen in some of their smaller markets contributed to the $4.6 million decline so far in 2009 revenue. The ratings giant expects revenues to fall by $5 million this year and then $10 million per year thereafter.

"Due to the impact of the current economic downturn on anticipated sales of discretionary services and renewals of agreements to provide ratings services, as well as the high penetration of our current services in the radio station business, we expect that our future annual organic rate of revenue growth from our quantitative Diary-based radio ratings services will be slower than historical trends," wrote Arbitron.

Arbitron also revealed that after the MRC denied accreditation for Philadelphia and New York in January, 2008, the markets were re-audited later that year, but still remain unaccredited. "The MRC identified response rates, compliance rates, and differential compliance rates as concerns it had with the PPM service in these local markets," Arbitron said in the SEC filing.

19 other markets have been audited, but Arbitron said the MRC has neither granted nor denied accreditation.