Arbitron announces next gen electronic audience measurement: PPM 360

COLUMBIA, USA: Arbitron Inc. has announced the PPM 360 technology, its new generation of audience measurement, a flexible, convenient solution to measuring media by extending the Portable People Meter (PPM technology onto a wireless platform.

By migrating to a wireless platform, Arbitron is better able to follow the media habits of on-the-go consumers. This new approach lays the foundation for the development of future applications for the patented, proprietary PPM technology on multiple consumer devices.

"This innovative approach further liberates audience measurement from the home and enables media, brands and marketers to follow the mobile consumer more closely – which is particularly important for brands appealing to younger demographics," said William Kerr, president and CEO, Arbitron. "This platform is designed to be an integrated component to our existing radio services and drive future innovation for media measurement."

The new device design resembles a simple cell phone and is sleeker and smaller than the current meter. The inclusion of cellular wireless technology in the meter eliminates the need for an in-home docking station and a communications hub, creating an enhanced, streamlined experience for a panelist.

The meter is ready out-of-the-box and can be charged with a simple USB cord. Arbitron can communicate with panelists through a text screen on the meter. It also retains a motion detector to monitor compliance, similar to previous versions of the PPM meter.

"The PPM 360 technology is a combined approach to measurement and data retrieval that enables future development of applications for multi-platform measurement, including cell phones, wireless devices and computers providing flexibility for future services that better reflect the industry need to follow the consumer," said Taymoor Arshi, Chief Technology Officer, Arbitron Inc. "Our new technology is designed to position us to meet the research needs of a network, station or advertiser, including seeing data closer to a major event."