Will new way of measuring ratings hurt talk radio?

Will the Personal People Meter hurt talk radio?

That's a hot topic among U.S. radio circles this summer. This new, electronic way of measuring radio ratings could be in the Salt Lake market by early 2010.

While music radio overall is shown to be stronger when measured with the PPM rather than with the traditional Arbitron written diary, talk radio ratings have apparently gone down more often than not when measured with the new technology.

According to an article by David Brauer on MinnPost.com, four station managers in Minnesota radio said it is too early to make any programming changes based on PPM.

However, "adventurous radio" will likely be hurt by the new measurement system in favor of more automated stations, like "Jack FM," he wrote.

The article concluded by saying that since ad agencies love electronic measurement it is here to stay.

Some radio experts interviewed by Inside Radio believe PPM will help radio overall against other media.

A recent discussion of this issue on the forum at www.utradioguide.com yielded mixed opinions. Some big, local talk shows in other markets around the country have dropped, while some minor ones have surged with the PPM system.

Does that mean the KSL's Doug Wright show might slide while some relatively unknown talk shows on KTKK (AM-630) could soar? Only time will tell.

 RADIO HAPPENINGS — Congressman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, stood in for Bob Lonsberry on KNRS (AM-570) last Monday morning. He commented on key issues and also took listener call-ins.

— KODJ morning host Steve Harmon of the "Harmon and the Breakfast Club" got to dance with Mary Murphy, a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance," during auditions for the show on July 25 at the Capitol Theatre. (He even got a kiss on the cheek from her.)

"I thought we were going to do a hot Latin salsa, but we did something called the West Valley Waltz," Murphy said. You can watch a video of the brief dance at www.kodj.com.

— KUUU ("U-92") will present "Summerjam 10," featuring Ice Cube, Fabolous, Mr. Criminal and more on Aug. 29 at USANA Amphitheater. Tickets are on sale at www.smithtix.com.

— Clear Channel is donating some of its AM stations in the country to foster minority ownership, according to Inside Radio.

 10 YEARS AGO IN SALT LAKE RADIO — KIQN begins an all-news format at AM-1010, hoping to challenge KSL. ... Chris Tunis is let go from KALL and Bob Lee moves from KNRS to KALL to fill the gap.

 20 YEARS AGO IN SALT LAKE RADIO — KCPX brings Sheena Easton to its annual "Sky Concert" for July 4. … KSFI sponsors "Zoola Moola Days" at Hogle Zoo.

e-mail: lynn@desnews.com