Two suppliers of streaming media audience data – Arbitron and MeasureCast – became one yesterday, with Arbitron buying some of Portland-based MeasureCast, Inc for an undisclosed amount. According to
company officials, effective immediately, Arbitron will incorporate the MeasureCast technology in its Webcast ratings service, and will publish weekly and monthly webcast audience estimates under the
name ‘Arbitron’s MeasureCast Ratings.’ The transaction gives Arbitron a license to market and use the MeasureCast streaming audio audience measurement system as well as related technology used to
produce streaming audience measurement services. Arbitron is also purchasing the “MeasureCast” trademark and other assets necessary to produce and maintain a streaming audience measurement service.
MeasureCast, Inc. will continue to develop innovative technologies and services with its strategic partners, under a new and as of yet unannounced name. MeasureCast partners, including Nielsen Media
Research, NetRatings and Trans Cosmos International (“TCI”), retain certain rights to the MeasureCast services and technology.
