PPM Encoding

TM

Handbook
for Radio
PPM Methodology in a Nutshell ........................................................ 2

PPM Reporting ................................................................................. 4

The Encoding Process ....................................................................... 5

Best Engineering Practices ................................................................. 7

Simulcasting and Podcasting ............................................................. 9

Station Information ......................................................................... 10

PPM Rating Distortion and Rating Bias ............................................. 11

Additional Information .................................................................... 12

Arbitron Contact Information ............................................................ 13

Introduction PPM Encoding Handbook

T
he radio industry today is evolving rapidly. Radio broadcasters now
have an increasing array of options for carrying their programming,
and sophisticated tools and techniques for attracting audiences. In this
fast-paced environment, broadcasters and advertisers need increasingly
sophisticated information on the size, composition, and behavior of
radio audiences.

The Arbitron Portable People MeterTM (PPMTM) is a response to this

challenge, with technology that frees respondents from the burden of
keeping track of their listening and methodology that allows Arbitron
to provide data more quickly, more frequently, and with increased
granularity and confidence.

PPM Hardware. From left: station encoder, meter, docking station/recharger and household collector.

PPM ratings are based on audience estimates and are the

opinion of Arbitron and should not be relied on for precise
accuracy or precise representativeness of a demographic or
radio market.

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 PPM Methodology in a Nutshell PPM Encoding Handbook

PPM Methodology in a Nutshell

The Arbitron Portable People Meter (PPM) system replaces the Arbitron
personal Diary with a small, portable, personal electronic meter that auto-
matically records exposures to encoded stations. Participating broadcasters
encode their stations by installing Arbitron encoding equipment, which
embeds a unique inaudible code into their audio signals. Whenever a PPM
detects this signal—which is acoustically masked from listeners, but receiv-
able by the Meter—the Meter records the code, along with the date and
time of the exposure. A station receives credit for a quarter-hour of listen-
ing if the Meter records five or more minutes of exposure to the station’s
encoded signal within that quarter-hour. (The five minutes need not be
contiguous.)
Members of the public are selected as respondents in each new PPM
market at random, based on landline and cell-phone-only sample frames.
These respondents, called “panelists,” are asked to wear or carry the Meter
each day from the time they rise until the time they retire at bedtime. Each
individual six years of age or older in a participating household receives his
or her own Meter and individual docking station. The panelists dock their
Meters when they retire. The docking station transmits the data to a collec-
tor located in the panelist’s home, which transmits the recorded exposure
data to Arbitron. While docked, the Meter’s battery is also recharged and
its internal clock is reset. In addition, to help identify at-home listening,
PPM docking station
the collector emits a low-power Radio Frequency (RF) signal that can be
detected by a Meter when listening takes place at home.

“Are You with Me?”—Motion Detection and Panel Management

A key component of PPM methodology is the Meter’s capacity to detect
motion. Panelists are asked to keep the Meter in motion at all times, as a
means for ensuring that the Meter is with the panelist when exposures to
encoded signals occur.
Each Meter contains a small green light that remains steadily illuminated
while the Meter is in motion. Routine body movement, even the slight
motion caused by breathing, is sufficient motion to keep the light illumi-
nated. When the Meter has been out of motion for 20 minutes, the light
flashes, to remind the panelist that he or she has put the Meter down, and
to prompt the panelist to keep the Meter in motion.
The Meter is always “on”—that is, the Meter is always recording expo-
sures to encoded stations. A panelist’s exposures are treated as In-Tab daily
listening, however, only if the panelist has met the
minimum daily motion requirement. Arbitron Panel
Management Specialists maintain close contact with
the household throughout the household’s participa-
tion, encouraging all of the panelists to carry their
Meters with them and to comply with other require-
ments for participation. Panelists receive premiums
and other incentives for their consistent participa-
tion. Arbitron is careful, however, not to influence the
amount of listening in which a panelist engages. Portable People Meter

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PPM Methodology in a Nutshell PPM Encoding Handbook

“All Panelists, All the Time”—Panels and Expanded Sample

In Arbitron’s Diary service, each diarykeeper participates as a respondent
for one week. Members of an Arbitron PPM panel generally participate
for number of months, participating for an interval, on average, of nine
months. Although members of PPM panels are replaced with new panel-
ists for a variety of reasons (including voluntary retirement from the panel
and removal to allow for fresh sample), many panelists participate for an
interval sufficient that participation becomes a part of their daily routines.
This results in a majority of respondents being available for inclusion in the
In-Tab at any time during the report period. This contrasts favorably with
the Diary service, in which roughly one-twelfth of the total In-Tab sample
for the 12-week report period is In-Tab for any individual survey week.
Because PPM panelists generally participate for a number of months, a
smaller number of panelists (relative to the quarterly number of diarykeep-
ers) produces a substantially larger In-Tab sample for any individual survey
week. In a hypothetical market with 12,000 In-Tab diaries, for example, the
average number of weekly In-Tab diaries for a 12-week survey would be
1,000. If the same market instead had 4,000 PPM panelists In-Tab on aver-
age, the average weekly sample would be four times the size of the weekly
sample the market had as a Diary market. The increased weekly sample
size under the PPM methodology allows for the presentation of data with
increased granularity, and allows Arbitron to provide monthly and weekly
data as standard reports.

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PPM Reporting PPM Encoding Handbook

PPM Reporting
Arbitron is currently in the process of converting 49 Arbitron Metros from
Diary measurement to PPM electronic measurement, with all 49 markets
scheduled for conversion by the close of 2010.
PPM panels for Arbitron’s syndicated PPM service are established only in
Metro counties and PPM audience estimates will be released for Metro
counties only. Measured Non-Metro counties will continue to be measured
using Arbitron’s survey Diary.

“Monthly” Reports and “Weeklies”

In each PPM market, Arbitron publishes monthly (rather than quarterly)
audience estimates in the PPM Radio Market Report (Arbitron eBookSM)—
reflecting four-week intervals roughly corresponding to calendar months.
Thirteen four-week “Monthly” reports are released each year—including a
“Holiday” report covering late December and early January.
These Monthly reports are also available to all subscribers via the PPM
Analysis ToolSM (a software application providing customized access to
the data) and via TAPSCANTM Web (a flexible Web-based application).
Monthly audience estimates are released approximately three weeks after
the close of the corresponding monthly report period. Arbitron also sepa-
rately releases weekly audience estimates to “PPM Weeklies” subscribers,
approximately three weeks after the close of the applicable survey week.

“Pre-Currency” and “Currency”

Arbitron will release two months of demonstration data prior to the release of
its first month of Currency data in each new PPM market. During this two-
month “Pre-Currency” period, audience estimates from the most recently
released quarterly Radio Market Report, based on Diary measurement,
should be used for transactional purposes. During this Pre-Currency inter-
val, no new audience estimates based on Diary measurement will be tabu-
lated or released. Once a Metro converts to PPM electronic measurement,
audience estimates based on Diaries will no longer be available for
that Metro.

Eligibility for Reporting

All successfully encoded radio stations—including HD-Multicast stations,
and Internet streams of AM, FM, and HD Radio® Multicast stations—are
eligible for reporting, regardless of subscriber status (subject to meeting
Minimum Reporting Standards—0.495 Average Weekly Cume Rating,
Persons 6+, Monday-Sunday, 6AM-Mid).
No audience estimates are reported for television stations or media other
than licensed radio stations in Arbitron’s syndicated PPM service (although
estimates for such stations may be available in custom reports). No audi-
ence estimates are reported for unencoded stations of any kind in Arbitron
PPM reports.

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 The Encoding Process PPM Encoding Handbook

The Encoding Process

Arbitron invites all licensed radio stations home to the DMA® of a PPM
market to encode their signals. Radio stations whose signals reach the
Arbitron Metro should encode their signals well in advance of the start
of Pre-Currency reporting. (Arbitron invites non-Metro DMA stations
to encode to help ensure that Metro listening is reported. Estimates are
reported, however, only at the Metro level.)
Arbitron will provide encoding equipment at no cost for each eligible AM
or FM station that chooses to encode (subject to any mutually agreed upon
limits). Stations are eligible to encode their signals and to receive encoding
equipment, regardless of subscriber status.
Arbitron will also provide encoding equipment for HD-Multicast stations
PPM encoders being tested before they
are shipped to radio stations.
and Internet streams of over-the-air stations to eligible broadcasters wish-
ing to encode these signals. Arbitron will generally provide encoding
equipment for HD-Multicast stations and Internet streams without a fee to
authorized users of Arbitron’s PPM data and by lease to other stations.

Encoding and Eligibility for Reporting

A set of encoding equipment for a station will include, at minimum, an
Encoder, a Backup Encoder, and a Monitor.
To be eligible to be reported in any Arbitron PPM report, a station must do
the following:
• Successfully install an Encoder and Backup Encoder for each of the sta-
tion’s transmission paths, and a Monitor to ensure uninterrupted encod-
ing of the station’s signal.
• Complete Arbitron’s encoding Quality Assurance process (to confirm that
the station’s signal has been successfully encoded).

Band ID Station Example

“Digital” Stations
For all relevant purposes, Arbitron treats
AM Analog AM station WAAA-AM HD-Multicast stations; and the Internet streams of
AM stations, FM stations, and HD-Multicast stations;
FM Analog FM station WBBB-FM
as separate stations (e.g., separate from over-the-air
HA Digital AM station (HD1) WAAA-HA stations that may share the frequency or facility).
Starting with the July 2008 report period, Arbitron
HF Digital FM station (CHD1) WBBB-HF began reporting such “Digital Radio” stations in the
PPM Radio Market Report and other Arbitron PPM
IA Internet stream of an WAAA-IA reporting services (subject to Minimum Reporting
AM station
Standards). These stations have been assigned suf-
IF Internet stream of an WBBB-IF fixes other than AM or FM, as indicated in the table at
FM station the left. (For information on Total Line Reporting, see
F2, F3…F9 HD-multicast station WBBB-F2, page 9.)
WBBB-F3
G2, G3… The Internet stream of an WBBB-G2,
G9 HD-multicast station WBBB-G3

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The Encoding Process PPM Encoding Handbook

Encoding Stations Separately

Each AM station, FM station, HD-Multicast station, and Internet stream
should be encoded separately, unless expressly instructed otherwise by
Arbitron—even if the stations simulcast 100%. Separate encoding is
necessary to:
• Enable broadcasters to change a combo’s simulcasting status without
requiring the broadcaster to install and test new encoding equipment.
• Ensure the integrity of audience estimates should broadcasters mistak-
enly report their stations as uninterrupted simulcasts.
HD “Primary” (HD1) signals will generally be encoded with the same
encoder as the analog (i.e., “main”) signal, as these signals are required by
the FCC to simulcast 100%.

The Importance of Monitoring

The station will need to monitor encoding at all times. Arbitron’s encod-
ers seldom experience mechanical failure. Most unencoded intervals result
from (scheduled or unscheduled) transmitter maintenance or other changes
to the station’s transmission facilities, during which the station inadvertently
excludes the encoder from the transmission path.
Audience estimates are not adjusted to exclude unencoded intervals.
Should a station’s signal become unencoded for any reason, the station
should switch to the backup encoder immediately and then immediately
notify Arbitron’s Encoding Operations staff.

Encoding Steps
1. The station signs and returns an Encoding Agreement. (An Encoding
Agreement is not an agreement to subscribe.)
2. The station’s engineer and Arbitron’s engineer confer, to facilitate the
successful encoding of all transmission paths.
3. Arbitron ships the encoding equipment.
4. The station installs the equipment.
5. The station’s engineer and Arbitron’s engineer together test the
encoding equipment.
6. Arbitron provides the station with confirmation that the station has
completed the encoding process and is eligible for reporting.
7. The station monitors encoding on an ongoing basis.

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Best Engineering Practices PPM Encoding Handbook

Best Engineering Practices

• The encoding monitor should be connected to an alarm system paging
the station’s engineer.
• Encoding equipment is configured for an individual station (i.e.: an AM
station; an FM station; an HD-Multicast station; or an Internet stream of
an AM station, FM station, or HD-Multicast station). Encoding equipment
should not be exchanged between stations—even if those stations simul-
cast with one another.
• Each station needs to avoid double encoding. Double encoding occurs
when a station’s primary and backup encoders are used simultaneously.
In addition, double encoding can occur when a station encodes any pro-
gramming that has been previously encoded. Double encoding substan-
tially decreases the readability of PPM codes and therefore decreases the
likelihood that the station will receive credit for its listening.
• The station should notify Arbitron in advance about any scheduled main-
tenance that may cause a loss of the station’s signal or encoding.
• The station should provide Arbitron with emergency contact information.
While each station is responsible for self-monitoring, Arbitron sometimes
becomes aware of encoding issues. For this reason, it is important that
we be able to contact station technical personnel outside of standard
business hours. A considerable interval may elapse, however, before we
are able to observe an encoding irregularity at a particular station. Such
contact therefore will not serve as a substitute for Self-Monitoring by an
encoded station.
• The encoder accommodates a variety of outputs to assist station person-
nel in monitoring the station’s encoding. These include: a monitor light
(which displays a steady green light during encoding, but flashes red
when encoding is interrupted); an output for an alarm system; and an
output that provides a computer “heartbeat” continually documenting
that the signal is encoded.
• Some engineers plug the primary and backup encoders into power
strips that can be remotely shut on and off. This helps ensure the engi-
neer’s ability to switch remotely from the primary encoder to the backup
encoder, in the event that a remote switching becomes necessary.
• The station’s engineer should be mindful that encoders require ade-
quate ventilation. Arbitron recommends allowing a space for ventilation
between any two encoders.
• Should an Arbitron Encoder fail, the encoder will still pass audio.
• Although each Arbitron Encoder comes equipped with an internal clock,
Arbitron recommends that each encoder be connected to a master clock,
where possible.

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Best Engineering Practices PPM Encoding Handbook

• Time-domain compression technology is sometimes used to allow the

insertion of additional commercial time in a given piece of programming.
Use of this technology should precede the Arbitron encoder to ensure
consistently receivable encoding. (Use of time-domain compression tech-
nologies after the Arbitron encoder may negatively impact encoding.)
• Arbitron engineers will work with the station engineer to ensure that the
appropriate type of encoding equipment is installed. Encoders are avail-
able for analog and AES Digital signals, and for both mono and stereo
signals.
• Arbitron’s Encoding Operations Department is available 24 hours a day
for questions and information related to ensuring uninterrupted encoding.

Internet Streaming Technical Guidelines

For the purpose of PPM encoding, Arbitron recommends streaming audio
at the following minimums:
• 44.1 kHz sample rate; and
• 32 kbps rate.
In Arbitron’s opinion, these settings are the recommended minimums, as
they mitigate, to the greatest extent possible, risks from both the streamer
and the listener that may detract from the efficiency of the stream’s PPM
encoding. Adherence to the above minimum technical standards is par-
ticularly important for Internet stations that use Microsoft® Web-streaming
products. Arbitron will continue to update our guidelines for minimum set-
tings as Internet technology develops.

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 Simulcasting and Podcasting
PPM headset adapter to permit
detection of encoded programming with
personal electronics.
PPM Encoding Handbook
Simulcasting and Podcasting
Total Line Reporting
Stations that simulcast their programming 100%, including commercials,
may request Total Line Reporting, provided the stations broadcast in the
same market or adjacent markets.
Listening for stations that request Total Line Reporting is combined and
reported on a single estimate line with the call letters of the “primary”
station (selected by the combo from among the AM or FM stations in the
combo).
• If the combined listening of stations that request Total Line Reporting
meets Minimum Reporting Standards, the combo will be reported—even
if (some or all of) the individual partner stations would not meet Minimum
Reporting Standards on their own.
• Separate estimates are not available for stations that receive Total Line
Reporting.
• Simulcast stations (including HD-Multicast stations and Internet streams)
that do not request, or are not eligible for, Total Line Reporting must
separately meet Minimum Reporting Standards.
Time-Shifted Listening
Each Arbitron Encoder comes equipped with an internal clock. In addition,
the Encoder will accept input from an external master clock. The encoded
PPM signal, utilizing the internal or external clock, transmits time and date
information in the encoded signal. Each panelist’s Meter also contains an
internal clock (reset when the Meter is docked) that identifies the time and
date of the panelist’s exposure to encoded programming. By comparing the
time and date information, the PPM system identifies time-shifted listening.
Arbitron’s study of more than 5,000 station-level ratings, across multiple
markets, shows that approximately 99.9% of all time-shifted listening
occurs within one day of transmission. Accordingly, Arbitron will assign
credit for any time-shifted listening that occurs within 24 hours of the origi-
nal broadcast. Credit will be assigned for the quarter-hour(s) during which
the programming was originally broadcast.
Podcasting
Time-shifted listening can occur when a panelist records and plays back
a station’s programming. Alternatively, a panelist may elect to listen to a
podcast. Podcasts are appropriately treated as time-shifted listening to
a station’s programming only if the podcast contains unedited broadcast
programming—including any commercials contained in the program or
program excerpt when originally broadcast.
Podcasts that contain completely unedited versions of a program or pro-
gram excerpt—exactly as originally broadcast—should be made from an
encoded feed of the programming, to enable the station to receive listening
credit for the podcast (as time-shifted listening). Edited podcasts should be
made from an unencoded source.
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© 2008 Arbitron Inc.
 Station Information PPM Encoding Handbook

Station Information
WINTER 2009
UCTIONS

IMPORTANT: PLEASE
READ
STATION INFOR
MATION: INSTR
E. SIGN-ON/ SIGN-OFF
C. CITY IDENTIFIE
RS
CRITERIA

it should be your
FCC-licensed city.
If one city is listed, the first must be your FCC-
If two cities are listed, may be any city with which
second combined in a
you
is shown in the "Broadcast
update this information
Time on-air times
as currently listed

to reflect your April

using the following
at Arbitron,
Your broadcast schedule, Schedule" section. Please
Standard
procedures:
Station Information Packets
stations to ensure
that the licensed city; the the two cities are
We urge all radio and normally ID, provided once an hour during the Monday- Broadcast Schedule: broadcast day.
they submit is current depict a 24-hour
City Identifier at least

Stations in PPM markets will continue to receive quarterly Station

station information the entire 1. Hours 0000-2400time.)
submission of inaccurate ight daypart throughout
accurate. A station’s in audience estimates Sunday 6AM-Midn (Please use military 1ST QUAR
time during
result Call Lette one sign-on/sign-off provided
information may
the station’s listening.
survey.
to either city by lining
out the you have more than
2. Ifrs: times in the space TER 200
that misrepresent Updates can be made in the correct city. FM ERP:a given day, list the additional
Schedule" section. 9 STATIO
you submit changes
incorrect city and
writing
home status must under the "Broadcast actual
Be sure to indicate Use
N INFOR
If any of the informationyou discover that Note: Requests
for changes of
letter to Radio
StationCity of Licen
3. Daytime
se: stations only: FM
April HAAT: Time.
Standard
MATION
or if a separate times for Frequency:
during the survey, be made via Networks sign-on/sign-off day within that month.
tly submitted inaccurate (limit of broadcast

Information Packets (SIPs). These packets are still needed to collect and
you have inadverten you should notify Relations. the shortest 3 per statio AM Day
information to Arbitron, faxing an update n): Power:
ly by CRITERIA STAT ION NAM G County of Broad
Arbitron immediate at D. STATION NAME 25 characters F. ETOTAL LINE REPORTIN simulcast 100% with one License: AM Night cast in HD
to: Arbitron Radio
Station Relations may contain up to your stations Power:
our receipt 1. A Station Name but should not contain Your STATI If two or more of commercials, and you wish to request National
You may confirm (including spaces), or ON NAME including survey, enter Sales Rep:
(410) 312-8619. spellings, pleas another,
, which appearsfor the Winter 2009
by calling Radio Station abbreviations,
slashes, multiple e line throug
Reporting station in the
of faxed updates h theLine
Total preprinted below , must of eachInformation
frequency
312-8062. redundant elements. Statio a
if it is usednasName the call letters, band and
Statio Name meet
Relations at (410) should be listed only on thenenclosed Station
the Statio
2. A Station Name during the Curre ntly onboxes
designated and be reported
File:for these stations willenter
n Name
guide

report station information, such as format. In addition, Station Names are

repeatedly the correc
about your clearly, audibly and Update Statio Form. Estimates Arbitron t Station lines listed in the
shows the information station identifier
(if necessary n Name total line in all applicable Name in enclosed
The enclosed form currently has listed. Please review broadcast hour. with a combined the combo qualifies; individual station the boxes instru
that Arbitron drawing Names are subject to deletion ) services for which requesting Total below (25-c ctions. If you
station by Station Combos have
it where necessary Note: Submitted four times per hour Monday-Friday be reported.
estimates will not identify one of the partners as the
haracter updated
this form and update incorrect data and writing the limit).. your Statio
if used fewer than programming inFORM which AT stations
Line Reporting must for the combo will n Name,
a line through any n where indicated. Audience estimates
6AM-Midnight. (During for credit for
will still be eligibleForm “primary” station. primary station’s call letters.
correct informatio 50% of
not verify or update
the ID infrequently, they used on more than at on be reported with
the
If your station does on the form, Arbitron will continue. submitted Station Namesthe station uses an ID during File:the lticast combos
lticast or FM/HD-Mu by completing
information shown , excluding simulcast information the occasions on
which Update Form Eligible AM/HD-Mu (TLR)

still used for crediting in Diary markets adjacent to PPM markets and in
to use this information
at (selec should request Total Line Reporting Form –
Information broadcast hour.) included in a Stationthe t only oneportion of the Station Information
to SIGN the Station network may be ng aired by
the TLR format): st station by the primary
Please be sure 3. The name of a BROADCAS
of the programmi identifying the HD-Multica etc. AM/
Name when the majority Station and “HD2,” “HD3,”
network, and it meetsT SCHEDULEstation’s call letters t combos should request TLR
Form. by
is provided by that
curren (0000 FM/Interne section
station tly Internet or TO 2400 Internet
RES Name usage guidelines. on file
MONDAY
ONor truncate its MILITARYboxes on the TLR combos
the appropriate
A. UPDATE PROCEDU has chosen to roundnumber asOFF
checking
TUESDAY TIME) Note:
Form. DAYTIME-O
▲

. a of the Station Information the “primary” station

1. Review all information 4. If your station uses this whole an ON or FM station as NLY STATI
outdated information
.
exact frequency andmust submit the whole number as for must select OFF an AM WEDNESDAY ng 100%, including ONS USE APRIL
all programmi
2. Draw a line through and must simulcastON HOURS

non-Metro counties within PPM markets.

Station Name, you for credit for the
whole number; OFF THURSDAY
information. identifier to be eligible frequency 95.5 rounded to eitherto commercia
ls and PSA’s.
3. Print or type new
ON
exact OFF FRIDAY
return to Arbitron. example, an FM AM exact frequency 1190 rounded ON
4. Sign, date and “95” or “96”; or
an Notes: change from
g relationships may must be OFF SATURDAY
■ Because simulcastin
ON
either “11” or “12.” TOTAL LINE e in the the simulcast partners OFF SUNDAY
E.R.P./H.A.A.T. listed below are inadmissibl REPORTIN survey to survey, request for Total Line Reporting ON
B. FM STATION taken directly from 5. The identifiers Only G and the which Total Line OFF
and H.A.A.T. are Name: list statio identified, survey for
FM station E.R.P. If your station is operating at an 25-character Station ns that are be resubmitted, each
FCC documentation. other than that listed on the form, Primary 100% simulc must is requested.
your ■ Call letters statio “630” or Reporting
ast, including trends, any prior
E.R.P. and/or H.A.A.T.
information and attach
a copy of List all exact frequencies (e.g., n for Total
forLine commbuilds prior survey
please update the to operate at the new E.R.P./H.A.
A.T. ■ Nonperson
alized
partn
CALL
“98.5”RSor “107.3”
LETTE FM Repor ■ Until the combo
ting: Callestimates reported ercials for
andthe combo will reflect
for AMerstations or BAND PSAs. (See
FCC authorization “1230” statio FREQUENCY survey Letters: primary station. enclo
stations)here: ns listening only to the
CALL
sed instru
ctions for
LETTERS Reporting guidelines replace

Stations should notify Arbitron in advance of frequency moves and other

guidelines.
alized generic descriptors ■ These Total
LineBAND
FREQUgENCY guidelines. Effective
Band : )
▲

■ Nonperson Radio") simulcastin g

(not credited) (e.g.,"AM Arbitron’s previous no longer reportsCALL simulcastin
personalities and Winter 2006, Arbitron eligibleLETTE
for, RS
■ In addition
to the above, sports, in Station Names than those that are BAND
not be included relationships other Arbitron’s Total Line Reporting FREQUENCY
programs should and are reported
via, CALL LETTE
INTERNET guidelines.
RS BAND
STRE AMING FREQUENCY
Does your
station curre

facility changes. These changes will continue to have important reporting

If yes, is ntly strea
the strea m its signa
Does your m (inclu l on the
station strea ding commercia Intern
m 100% ls and PSAs et? Yes
of its broad ) exactly No
cast hours the same
Mailing Addre ? as the over-
ss: Yes the-air broad
No cast?
Yes
No

Phone:
Fax:
URL Addre
ss:
I certify
accurate

General
that the

nsibili

Manager
information
my respo to the best of my submitted on
to this inform ty to notify knowledge and this form is curre
ation as Arbitron imme
soon as diatel
belief. I
unde
nt and
they occur y of any chang rstand that it is
implications. By notifying Arbitron in advance, we can work with stations to
RMR-08-02955
11/08 Program Signature: and/or they es or correc
Instructions_U S Director are noted tions
Name: .

ensure that estimates are reported appropriately.

Program
Director
E-Mail Addre (PRINT ) General
ss: Manager
Name (PRINT)
Date: :
General
SIForm _US Manager
E-Mail Addre
PPM RMR-0
8-0295 ss:
5 11/08
SEE REV
ERSE SIDE
FOR ENC
ODING CON
TACT INFORMA
TION

We also ask stations to provide engineer and emergency contact informa-

Station Information form tion on the PPM Station Information Packet.

PPM Station Encoding Preview

Arbitron distributes to each encoded station a quarterly PPM Station
Encoding Preview. The Preview shows the call letters, frequency, and
Station Name of each station in the market that has completed the encod-
ing process and is eligible for reporting.

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PPM Rating Distortion and Rating Bias PPM Encoding Handbook

PPM Rating Distortion and Rating Bias

Rating Distortion
Arbitron may consider as Rating Distortion any station activity that Arbitron
believes may result in:
• The participation of PPM panel participants unauthorized by Arbitron;
• The provision of false information to Arbitron;
• A station learning the identity of PPM panel participants;
• A station gaining access to, or influence over, any Arbitron PPM (except
as explicitly authorized by Arbitron); or
• The use of any Arbitron PPM or encoded signal for any purpose other
than those intended by Arbitron.

Rating Bias
Arbitron may consider as Rating Bias any announcement, statement, or
activity by a station that may:
• Differentially prompt a particular station’s listeners to participate as an
Arbitron PPM panelist (relative to other stations’ listeners);
• Differentially prompt PPM panelists who listen to a particular station to
comply with Arbitron’s instructions (relative to panelists who listen to
other stations).
Examples of activities with Rating Bias potential would include:
• Encouragement by, or on behalf of, a station to listeners to participate as
Arbitron panelists;
• Messages to panelists by, or on behalf of, a station to carry their Meters
with them or download their listening information to Arbitron.
• Messages delivered by a radio station (in any medium) alerting listen-
ers that Arbitron PPM ratings research is, or soon will be, in progress or
emphasizing the importance of participation in PPM ratings research.
(Note that reference to success in Arbitron’s PPM ratings reports for
prior report periods is generally not treated as Rating Bias under these
guidelines.)
Arbitron may request the return of its encoding equipment from, or decline
to publish audience estimates for, any station engaging in an activity
that, in Arbitron’s opinion, may result in substantial Rating Distortion or
Rating Bias.

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© 2008 Arbitron Inc.
 Additional Information PPM Encoding Handbook

Additional Information
• Arbitron provides panelists with a headphone adapter, allowing the
Meter to detect and record encoded signals by panelists listening with
headphones.
• Upon request, and at Arbitron’s discretion, Arbitron will note (on the
Special Notices page of the applicable PPM Radio Market Report) any
Technical Difficulties—Off-Air, Reduced Power, or Signal Interference
PPM headset adapter in use. —or Unencoded Interval that a qualifying station reports to Arbitron,
subject to verification. Audience estimates, however, are not adjusted for
reported Technical Difficulties or Unencoded Intervals.

Use Only as Instructed

Encoding equipment should be used only as instructed by Arbitron.
Arbitron may request the return of its encoding equipment from, or decline
to publish audience estimates for, any station that uses Arbitron’s encoding
equipment in an unauthorized manner.

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© 2008 Arbitron Inc.
 Arbitron Contact Information
Technical Questions Regarding
Encoding Equipment
Arbitron Encoding Operations
(410) 312-8123

Policy Questions Regarding Encoding

and Reporting
Arbitron Syndicated Standards
and Analysis
Dave Willinski – (410) 312-8396
John Budosh – (410) 312-8722
Brian Stauffer – (410) 312-8045

Station Information Updates

Radio Station Relations
(410) 312-8062

24/7 Encoding Emergency Hotline

(866) 767-7212

Additional Arbitron Information

www.arbitron.com
www.arbitron.com/ppm
www.arbitrontraining.com

Arbitron eBook SM, Portable People MeterTM, PPM TM and PPM Analysis Tool SM are marks of Arbitron Inc. TAPSCAN™ is a trademark of TAPSCAN Inc., used
under license. DMA® is a registered mark of Nielsen Media Research, Inc., and is used pursuant to a license from Nielsen Media Research, Inc. HD Radio ® is
a registered trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation. Microsoft ® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
© 2008 Arbitron Inc. PPM-08-02659 12/08

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