Nielsen bags Black Crow Media as radio ratings client

Black Crow Media is the latest broadcaster to sign up for the new measurement service. The deal covers three Black Crow stations in Huntsville, Alabama.

Other radio clients of Nielsen are Cumulus, Clear Channel, ESPN and Maverick Media.

Nielsen’s system uses sticker diaries to track listening habits, which it claims is more accurate than Arbitron’s paper and pen diary method.

Meanwhile, Arbitron is boasting a high-profile win of its own, having secured the services of former Nielsen Media Research president and CEO John Dimling as a board director.

Philip Guarascio, chairman of the Arbitron board of directors, said: “John brings extraordinary insight and valuable leadership experience in both broadcast media measurement research and technology to Arbitron’s board.”

Dimling (pictured), who earlier this week joined the board at Innerscope Research, began his career with Nielsen in 1985 and served as president and chief operating officer from August 1993 to June 1998. He then served as president and CEO from 1998 to 2001 before being given the role of chairman and chairman emeritus from 2002 to April 2008.