Arbitron delays PPM switch in New Orleans indefinitely

The firm had intended to replace the current paper diary system with PPM technology by the end of 2010, but that plan has been shelved indefinitely.

Arbitron said that one of the reasons behind the decision was to help broadcasters in the area continue to rebuild the market following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Thirty-three local markets in the US have switched to PPM to date, and 15 more are set to follow this year. Arbitron says it will maintain an “ongoing evaluation” of the New Orleans market.