With Arbitron's new policy of showing subscribers only, the relase of any of their ratings is a non-event. - So, I wonder.... Why couldn't someone in New England start a ratings company, and release their findings in the couple dozen markets in the 6 states (and later beyond)? - It's a relatively easy business to start, with low overhead, and it could be financially rewarding. I giggle when I think about how a person with a clipboard in downtown Portland, and a few other locations on following days, could just simply ask people what they've listened to in the past week. A days' worth of that could yield more info/samples than what we've been fed in past years. And if you're single, it would be a great way to meet people! - Letting your rating results be published in local papers would give your new company legitamacy; but you'ld still make your money from radio subscribers if you don't charge TOO much. I think it's a great business idea, especially considering Arbitron tightening their results. Acts like that breed competition. If I were 20 years younger, I'd do it. Someone(s) on this board would be qualified to do it since we know the stations in our markets, and mis-identification would be rare. The survey-taker would have no trouble with the age of the persons surveyed, as they'd be right there , and it would be easy to categorize a person into the age-groups, based on every 10 years. Smaller stations who do well, would likely buy your ratings too, again, if you don't charge TOO much. - Start your company in Portland, or Manchester, or White River Junction, and then expand.
