Arbitron
Arbitron (now known as Nielsen Audio since 2013) is the main system used to measure radio listening audiences in the United States. Think of it like TV ratings, but for radio. It helps radio stations and advertisers understand how many people are listening to different stations, when they're listening, and who those listeners are. This information is crucial for selling advertising time and making programming decisions. When you see this term in a resume, it usually means the person has experience working with audience measurement data or ratings analysis in the radio industry.
Examples in Resumes
Analyzed Arbitron ratings to develop strategic programming schedules
Used Arbitron and Nielsen Audio data to increase advertising revenue by 25%
Managed station performance tracking using Arbitron ratings reports
Typical job title: "Radio Research Analysts"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Radio Research Analysts
Industry Organizations
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you use Arbitron/Nielsen data to improve a station's market position?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to analyze ratings trends, identify audience patterns, and develop programming strategies to increase listenership during key time slots. Should mention understanding of demographic targeting and competitive analysis.
Q: Describe a time when you used ratings data to increase advertising revenue.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to translate audience metrics into sales opportunities, understand advertising pricing strategies, and create compelling presentations for advertisers using ratings data.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key metrics in an Arbitron/Nielsen ratings report?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain AQH (Average Quarter Hour), cume (cumulative audience), TSL (Time Spent Listening), and share in simple terms, and how these metrics are used.
Q: How do you identify trends in ratings data?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to track changes over time, compare performance across different dayparts, and analyze demographic breakdowns of the audience.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Arbitron/Nielsen Audio ratings?
Expected Answer: Should explain that ratings measure radio listenership to help stations understand their audience size and composition, which helps in selling advertising and planning programming.
Q: How is ratings data collected?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic understanding of PPM (Portable People Meter) technology and diary methods used to collect listening data from sample audiences.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of ratings reports
- Data entry and basic analysis
- Creating simple presentations with ratings data
- Understanding radio dayparts
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed ratings analysis
- Competitive market analysis
- Audience trend identification
- Basic sales presentation creation
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic programming recommendations
- Advanced market analysis
- Revenue growth strategies
- Team training and leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic radio ratings terminology
- Inability to interpret simple audience data
- Lack of experience with ratings analysis software
- No knowledge of radio advertising sales process
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