Interep Signs Up For Arbitron PPM

Signs On For PPM

ARBITRON has reached an agreement with INTEREP, the largest independent rep firm, for its PORTABLE PEOPLE METER (PPM) ratings service in the top 50 markets. INTEREP becomes the first national rep firm to sign up for te PPM service.

INTEREP represents the following broadcast groups: ABC/DISNEY, BEASLEY, BUCKLEY RADIO, CBS RADIO, CUMULUS MEDIA PARTNERS, CURTIS MEDIA, EMMIS COMMUNICATIONS, ENTERCOM, FRANKLIN FINANCIAL MEDIA, INNER CITY BROADCASTING, RENDA BROADCASTING, and SPANISH BROADCASTING SYSTEM (SBS).

INTEREP Chairman/CEO RALPH GUILD said, "The advertising community has made it clear that radio must adopt an electronic measurement system in order to effectively compete in the current media environment. As a result, we are delighted that we can begin to offer this service to our customers -- the agencies and advertisers -- on behalf of our client radio stations that have subscribed to the ARBITRON PPM ratings service.

"INTEREP is committed to making radio more accountable and measurable. We were one of the first contributors to the RAB’s RADIO EFFECTIVENESS LAB, which continues to produce tremendous work, and we look forward to similar success with our support of the PPM." 

ARBITRON VP/Nat'l Radio Sales BRUCE SUPOVITZ said, "INTEREP has always been at the cutting edge of new technology and new systems for their radio broadcasters and additional media clients. They’ve always done this to provide advertising agencies and advertisers with the most advanced single resource for radio buys and other ad opportunities."

Interep Reports Q3 Losses

INTEREP reported that its net loss applicable to common shareholders widened from $500,000 a year ago to $9.5 million, driven in part by a decrease in contract termination revenue to $600,000 from $5.9 million and an increase in selling expenses to $52.5 million from $45.7 million.

Those costs were driven in part by $5 million in costs tied to an early termination deal that was offered to 13 employees, including COO GEORGE PINE and Marketing Division Pres. MARC GUILD.

The company's commission revenue declined 13%, to $17.9 million from $20.1 million. INTEREP attributed the decrease to the termination of its representation of RADIO ONE and a general softness in national radio advertising.

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