Nielsen Ending U.S. Radio Ratings

According to Radio Ink, in a brief announcement, the Nielsen Co. says it is leaving the U.S. radio ratings business.

The announcement in its entirety:

“The Nielsen Company has decided to end its measurement of radio in the United States, as of the Fall 2010 period. Back data and limited access to Radio Advisor software will continue to be available for use by Nielsen clients, as required. This decision has no impact on The Nielsen Company’s international radio measurement, and we will continue our radio measurement operations in each of the 11 countries we currently serve.”

Nielsen re-entered the U.S. radio business in 2008, following a Cumulus request for proposals for a new small-market, diary-based service. (Nielsen did not respond to the RFP but was approached by Cumulus.)

Cumulus was the first client, and Clear Channel agreed at that time to sign on in 17 markets as well. Since then, Maverick Media, ESPN Radio, and Black Crow have signed for the Nielsen service in various markets.

Nielsen’s “sticker diary” service has been available in 51 markets.

Courtesy of Radio Ink.