This morning, the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council passed a resolution asking that Arbitron announce the planned dates for all markets that are scheduled to convert to the PPM electronic ratings system in 2007. So far it has been announced that Philadelphia is scheduled for January 11 and Houston should be the same month, while New York and Los Angeles are also expected to go live with the PPM device next year.

"While the Council understands that these dates may be subject to revision, earlier notification of scheduled PPM currency dates will help the industry educate the marketplace, better train its people and work cooperatively with advertisers and agencies to position radio’s value," says Bill Kelly, Chairman of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council.

The Council noted that it continues to believe that MRC accreditation of the PPM will contribute to industry acceptance of the device and support radio’s credibility with advertisers. The Council also supports Arbitron’s commitment to complete the MRC audit process in each market prior to introducing PPM as currency in that market, and urges the MRC and Arbitron to complete the accreditation process.

However, says the Council, "In order to better manage the transition from diary to PPM in each market, the Council recommends that Arbitron provide a minimum of 60 days prior notice before PPM becomes currency in any specific market."