Arbitron Council focuses on PPM, cell phones
Arbitron CEO Steve Morris has already told radio groups that Portable People Meter ratings will cost about 65% more than diaries if there's no joint venture with Nielsen, but the Arbitron Advisory Council asked for more at this week's meeting in Washington, DC. The council has asked Arbitron for more details on radio-only PPM pricing by June 30. Also at this week's meeting, there was discussion of the growing problem of households with only cellular phones. Broadcasters want to be sure that cell-only folks are included in the ratings, particularly since they tend to be in young demos. Arbitron reported on what it's been doing to deal with the problem. One solution is what Arbitron is already doing in Houston for its PPM test - - recruiting by address, rather than phone number. But that requires sending people out to knock on doors if no phone number can be found listed for the randomly identified address.
Brad Pitt joins Bono in campaign to fight poverty, AIDS
Brad Pitt is among the celebs featured in new PSAs for a campaign led by U2 singer Bono to fight poverty and AIDS. The campaign was not immediately asking for donations but simply raising awareness and recruiting new advocates. Pitt, who visited Africa after being inspired by Bono's advocacy, said he was struck by how extreme poverty there has made it difficult for the sick to gain access to drugs to minimize the effects of AIDS. "I've seen it, I've been there, and to walk away from it and turn my back makes me culpable," Pitt said. "And I can't do that." A 60-second ad to air Sunday night on various networks and cable channels features actors, musicians and religious leaders. Among them are Jewel, Penelope Cruz, Tom Hanks and Mos Def. Also featured are Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx, and Hounsou as well as evangelist Pat Robertson and the Rev. Frank Griswold, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US. Completing each other's sentences, each appear in black-and-white, peering into the camera and saying a few words.
Taricani receives early release
WJAR-TV Providence reporter Jim Taricani, who steadfastly refused to reveal the source of an FBI sting videotape that the station aired, will end his home-confinement sentence tomorrow, after being granted early release by a federal judge. His six-month sentence was originally scheduled to last until June (12/13/04 RBR #241). Judge Ernest Torres found that Taricani had complied with all of the conditions of his home confinement, which included him not being allowed to work, talk to the media or use the Internet. Taricani, 55, is a heart transplant recipient and has other medial problems as well. After Taricani was sentenced, the source of the tape admitted his role and is now facing possible prosecution himself.
"NBC 10 is extremely pleased that Judge Torres has granted Jim's petition to terminate his home confinement after four months. We look forward to Jim's return to work in the near future and to his continued contributions to NBC 10," said a statement from the NBC O&O, which has supported Taricani's position of refusing to disclose his source.
EWTN offering free Vatican coverage
With the funeral mass for Pope John Paul II today, and the election of his successor to follow in a few days, EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network and its Spanish service, EWTN Radio Católica Mundial, are offering feeds free of charge to non-affiliate stations for the next 30 days. The programming includes both live coverage from the Vatican and talk programming with EWTN's hosts and theological experts. Phone John Pepe at 205-795-5756.
"Bill Bennett's Morning in America" alters format clock
In conjunction with the start of its second year in syndication, Salem Radio Network's "Bill Bennett's Morning in America" will expand the programming content of each of Bennett's three hours effective 4/18. SRN has reduced the "network" inventory affiliates clear from seven minutes hourly to five, adding more time for Bennett to dialogue with listeners each hour.
Are you reading this from a forwarded email?
