Senator Robert Menendez Calls for PPM Investigation

RADIO ONLINE | , , | :am CT

Following Monday's resignation of Arbitron President/CEO Michael P. Skarzynski, the ratings giant notified House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Ed Towns (D-NY) that Skarzynski testified that he had personally attended a November, 2009 PPM training session when in fact, he did not. Now, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is again calling for a "thorough investigation into the PPM methodology."

Menendez called Skarzynski's action "deeply troubling," saying that PPM "must be thoroughly investigated to ensure that Congress was not intentionally misinformed and appropriate action must be taken based on the findings."

Menendez also cited Arbitron's disclosure on Monday that the Media Rating Council has denied accreditation for the PPM in 18 markets, while accrediting the service in Minneapolis-St. Paul. He also said that MRC's moves "reaffirms the critical need for a thorough investigation into the PPM methodology."

"I have long been concerned about the propensity for the PPM methodology to misrepresent the listenership of minority-owned and minority-focused stations," Menendez continued. "These stations are vital sources of information and culture for minority communities, but they cannot withstand the drastic reductions in revenue stemming from flawed PPM ratings. I remain committed to ensuring Arbitron adopts an accurate ratings system with acceptable standards that is fair to all radio stations."

Towns previously held a hearing to look into PPM in December. Towns, who launched an investigation into PPM in June, said it must explore the possibility of "methodological flaws" in the implementation of the PPM.