Posted by chicagomedia.org on September 05, 2008 at 09:46:03:
In Reply to: NABOB FCC petition filed against PPM posted by chicagomedia.org on September 03, 2008 at 22:15:00:
The FCC on Thursday (Sept. 4) set comment dates for the emergency petition filed by the PPM Coalition -- a group made up of the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters, the Spanish Radio Association, the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies, Border Media Partners, Entravision, ICBC Broadcast Holdings, Spanish Broadcasting System and Univision -- which is asking the Commission to open an inquiry into Arbitron's use of its Portable People Meter.
As previously reported and as noted in the FCC request for comment, the Coalition argues that PPM methodology undercounts minority radio listeners and that the rollout of PPM methodology starting Oct. 8 in eight markets will seriously harm minority broadcasting and defeat the Commission�s diversity goals. The Coalition wants the FCC to "undertake a fact-finding inquiry, using subpoenas for document production and conducting witness testimony under oath."
According to the Coalition, "A Section 403 inquiry is the only way the Commission can shed light on the methodological problems identified in early PPM markets and avert harm to minority broadcasters from a rollout of PPM with a flawed methodology that undercounts minority audiences."
Comments on the petition are due to the FCC by Sept. 24, and reply comments are due Oct. 6. All filings should refer to and must be submitted in MB Docket No. 08-187. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System, the federal government�s eRulemaking Portal or by filing paper copies.
Arbitron responded to news of the petition several days ago by saying it "does not believe that the FCC has jurisdiction over the company or its operations and assets and consequently lacks the authority to commence a Section 403 investigation. Nevertheless, we are committed to continue our voluntary meetings with the FCC."
(R&R)