Arbitron NewMedia Launches Net Radio Ratings Service

Arbitron NewMedia signed an agreement with Motorola subsidiary RadioWave.com, allowing Arbitron to use RadioWave software in tracking Internet listener reports for radio stations and other streaming audio outlets.

Using RadioWave.com’s proprietary software to track Internet listening sessions, Arbitron will provide online and printed reports that will be available later in the year. As many as 300 Internet radio stations during the third quarter will be covered in the reports.

Financial arrangements between the two companies were not disclosed.

“Our agreement with RadioWave.com is a first, concrete step that Arbitron has taken into the Internet audio arena,” said Greg Verdino, vice president and general manager of Internet services for Arbitron NewMedia. “Our goal is to provide radio stations, other Internet broadcasters, advertisers and advertising agencies with unbiased third-party measures that will facilitate the buying and selling of online and integrated webcast/broadcast advertising packages.”

“Advertisers and media buyers want to know who is listening so that they can incorporate interactive radio into their media buys,” said Greg Mackintosh, president, RadioWave.com. “We are extremely pleased that Arbitron has chosen our technology to provide them with this information.”

Using proprietary technology developed with Motorola, RadioWave.com recently launched the RadioWave.com Player, an Internet-based radio player that provides interactive visual information coordinated with live radio programming broadcast on the Internet.

Arbitron, a division of the Ceridian Corp., is an international media and marketing research firm serving broadcasters, advertisers and ad agencies. Arbitron NewMedia provides Internet companies with online research through its Northstar Interactive services, and provides companies with insight regarding U.S. consumers’ adoption, usage and attitudes towards new media through its syndicated NewMedia Pathfinder study.