Nielsen/Arbitron deal approved

[EJM]

The FTC issued an official statement concerning its conditions for approving Nielsen's purchase of Arbitron, followed shortly thereafter by Nielsen issuing a press release about the deal being approved.

See both http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2013/09/nielsen.shtm and http://nielsen.com/us/en/press-room/2013/nielsen-gains-regulatory-approval-to-acquire-arbitron.html.

 

[TheBigA]

OK, so they're required to allow a competitor to use or license their exclusive property. Like who?

The reason why Arbitron and Nielsen had to merge is it was too costly for them to operate independently. The pretty much makes it prohibitive for another company to enter the business, even with access to the technology.

 

[SaltyDog]

Admittedly, I have not followed this closely and am also not an expert on what "assets" Nielsen and Arbitron possess. But from a purely English language analysis, I'm having trouble reconciling the two announcements.

From the FTC Announcement: "Nielsen will divest and license assets and intellectual property needed
to develop national syndicated cross-platform audience measurement services."

From the Nielsen Announcement: "No Nielsen assets are affected by the FTC’s order."

 

[EJM]

Earlier today (Friday), CommLawBlog posted an analysis/backgrounder regarding the consent agreement; even though the FTC has technically approved the deal, it looks like it's now soliciting public comments...

http://www.commlawblog.com/2013/09/...ed-terms-of-nielsenarbitron-consent-agreement

 

[TheBigA]

What can anyone say? It's a federally approved monopoly in a business where it's cost-prohibitive to start up a new competitor. There's a reason why Nielsen bought the competition. And that reason makes it almost impossible for anyone else to get into the business. And guarantees broadcasters will remain stuck with one ratings system that costs a ton, and doesn't satisfy anyone.