Re: Carrying a big stick #2 Arb

[Mike Thomas <nostatic@earthlink.net>]

Clear Channel did the same thing last year.  Arbitron tried to up their rates
to CC stations during contract negotiations, and CC publicly threatened to
terminate their relationship with Arbitron if they didn't keep their rates
reasonable.  Arbitron quickly did an about face knowing that if CC dumped
them, their service would be just about useless.  It looks like it's renewal
time for Infinity, and they are doing the same thing in the hopes of securing
a better deal.  Arbitron and Infinity will come up with an agreement, because
with Infinity presence in the major markets, Arbitron's existance would be
threatened if Infinity dropped them.  This is nothing more than "sabre
rattling"

Mike Thomas

Dave Faneuf wrote:

> Today's Herald 2/20 reports Infinitiy's Dan Mason has told his radio
> group including the stations in Boston to prepare for life without
> Arbitron.  Mason says Arbitron is being unreasonable in its negotiations.
>  Sounds like Mason is using this as his own negotiating ploy, but could
> this open the door for a company like AccuTrend?  Is AccuTrend still in
> business?