Keeping track of what people are really watching… or listening to… is crucial in the ratings game. For years, the networks complained about the lack of accuracy of consumer diaries. Now… there are Portable People Meters (PPM) and Time Magazine has included the gadget in its list of Best Inventions of the Year.
Arbitron’s information-gathering device allows for the recording of in-home and out-of-home media impressions for TV and radio.