Clear Channel Threatens Arbitron Cancellation

Arbitron, the radio ratings service that rang the New York Stock Exchange’s closing bell Friday to celebrate going public next Monday, got a dose of bad news earlier in the day from its biggest client.

Clear Channel Communications, the nation’s largest radio group, said in a letter that it does not intend to subscribe to Arbitron, by far the dominant ratings service, in 130 markets beginning with the spring survey, radio’s most important ratings period.

The cancellation would leave Clear Channel, with contracts in 88 markets but would cost Arbitron $14 million from an annual revenue stream of about $206 million.

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