NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACT
April 22, 2010 Rick Kaplan, (202) 418-2100
rick.kaplan@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON CLYBURN
REGARDING THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ARBITRON
AND THE PPM COALITION
“For many months now, I have expressed my displeasure about the way in which Arbitron 
was employing its Portable People Meter (PPM) technology.  Both the Media Rating Council (MRC) 
and the PPM Coalition registered serious and detailed concerns about, among other things, Arbitron’s 
commitment to obtaining a truly representative sample.  The evidence presented suggests that the 
PPM was having a disproportionally negative impact on urban radio stations that primarily serve 
minority communities.  If Arbitron failed to take action to upgrade its methodology, it was likely that 
the faint diversity that currently exists on radio would be further undermined.
“Fortunately, due in large part to the leadership of Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns, 
Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Arbitron recently engaged 
in constructive discussions with the MRC and the PPM Coalition to address these important 
concerns.  Over the last few months in particular, the parties worked together to develop a framework 
that would ensure more accurate counting of minority listeners in order to truly bring the apparent 
technical advantages of the PPM system to fruition.
“While I do have some general structural concerns about the voluntary nature of the MRC’s 
process, I am nonetheless heartened that the parties have negotiated a solution without formal 
governmental action.  I will continue to stay engaged with the parties as they implement their 
agreement to ensure that all radio stations and listeners receive the promised benefits of the PPM 
system.”
-- FCC --