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Tampa Ratings, News: Beasley's investigation into ratings tampering by its Rock WBRN/Tampa syndicated host Bubba The Love Sponge (aka Todd Clem) has concluded Clem did attempt to influence the listening habits of a PPM holder in the market. "Beasley strongly condemns the actions of Mr. Clem, who has provided syndicated programming to radio broadcasters for many years and is not a Company employee," says President Bruce Beasley. "We are taking appropriate steps to ensure that such conduct does not occur in the future. These steps include, but are not limited to, compliance training for Mr. Clem and his employees and the distribution of guidelines reiterating the importance of avoiding conduct that could cause ratings distortion, to all Beasley employees."

The outcome has resulted in the delisting of WBRN in the market for September. "This attempted ratings distortion activity involved a program carried in additional markets," says Nielsen in a statement. "Therefore, Nielsen is also adding a notation for one report period in the markets in which the program aired." Nielsen notes no ratings were affected in other markets. Tampa ratings were delayed for the investigation (CAT 9/28) but were released today (10/5). From August to September 2015 among Persons 6+, iHeartMedia's WFUS went 5.7 (3) to 5.3 (5) with cume of 495,700. Beasley's WQYK went 4.8 (10) to 5.2 (6t) with 439,800.



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