• July 25, 2006

Arbitron Monday said Linda Dupree has been promoted to executive vice president-new product development for its portable people meter initiative, implying that the primarily radio research firm may be thinking seriously about other applications for the PPM. The PPM was originally conceived as a method for measuring both radio and TV audiences, and when TV ratings researcher Nielsen Media Research took a pass on an option to develop that second aspect, Arbitron said it reserved the right to develop TV audience ratings and other applications down the road. Arbitron today will unveil PPM findings showing the power of live sporting events to attract and hold audiences in both home and out-of-home locations. Dupree had been senior vice president of new product development for the PPM. -- Joe Mandese