Headcount Tumbles at Nielsen Audio

Nielsen has made an unconfirmed number of staff redundant in its Audio division, formed from recently-acquired Arbitron.

Nielsen Audio was created following the $1.26 billion acquisition of the radio ratings giant back in September. At the time, Nielsen CEO David Calhoun told investors that the company projected around $20m in 'synergies' from the acquisition.

Shortly after the deal closed, it was rumoured that a number of Arbitron's execs would be leaving the company, including former CFO Debra Delman and CEO Sean Creamer. According to reports in the press, it is now estimated that Nielsen has made more than 500 mainly Arbitron staff redundant, although a Nielsen spokesperson declined to comment on the actual number affected by the cuts.

In a statement, the firm explained: 'As part of the integration of Nielsen Audio, Nielsen is implementing changes across the company to enhance growth and to align our resources to meet and exceed client needs. These changes will improve productivity and innovation for the benefit of our organization, clients and shareholders.'

Web site: www.nielsen.com .