• by Tom Siebert , December 11, 2006

Arbitron says it will improve its RADAR network radio service through the introduction of an electronic version of its Spot Confirmation service, the commercial affidavit verification system that has been an integral element of the company's radio network ratings.

The electronic version of the service will increase the number of stations monitored 10%, to 2,200, and expand the number of broadcast hours covered 47%, to 8,800.

In addition, Spot Confirmation reports will now be delivered quarterly, up from one annual report. The quarterly report will give results for the most recent quarter, plus a 12-month rolling result.

RADAR, which stands for Radio's All Dimension Audience Research, is the standard currency for national network radio ratings, measuring 56 individual radio networks. These networks are operated by ABC Radio Networks, American Urban Radio Networks, Crystal Media Networks, Dial Global, Inc., Jones MediaAmerica Inc., Premiere Radio Networks and Westwood One Radio Networks.

"By completing our transition to all electronic monitoring, we are able to devise the most comprehensive spot verification system ever used in the RADAR network radio ratings service," said Bruce Supovitz in a statement.

Supovitz says the manual monitoring system will be completely retired in 2007. It had been the mainstay of RADAR affidavit verification service since 1974.

Arbitron began the transition to all-electronic monitoring with a March 2004 agreement with Mediaguide.