As Arbitron Falls, Anger Rises: Many Shudder at Thought of New, Non-Competitive Ratings Era

NEW YORK – It was, effectively, a 40-year horse race with just two horses running. Nielsen Media Research and Arbitron Co. ran neck and neck for the duration, alternately relinquishing and regaining the lead. And now the race has been run. Nielsen stands in the coveted winner’s circle. The announcement was stunning: Arbitron would discontinue its television ratings service effective the end of 1993. It would pare its existing staff by 700. Nielsen, after nearly half a century of competition, would finally stand alone.
But in a free-market system, competition fuels motivation.