Arbitron Sues Florida Broadcaster

Radio ratings giant Arbitron is continuing its pursuit of companies it alleges use and/or publish its ratings information without paying. Last week, it accused Jacksonville-based Renda Broadcasting Corporation of copyright infringement.

The suit was filed on Tuesday 18th June in the District Court for the Middle District of Florida, and says Renda continued to use the ratings for more than eighteen months after its contract for them expired in December 2010. Arbitron says the broadcaster 'illicitly obtained copies of its Reports and Database... from an advertising agency in or near the Jacksonville, Florida area', via Renda Jacksonville GM Bill Reese.

The suit cites names of other execs at the company requesting and making use of the figures and claims at least $150,000 per 'infringing act' along with other amounts totalling well over $500,000.

Four weeks ago, Arbitron claimed that radio broadcaster Saga Communications has infringed its copyrights by reproducing and distributing Arbitron audience estimates without authorization, while in April it settled with Gannett-owned WKYC-TV over another unauthorised usage claim.

Web site: www.arbitron.com .