Data Release Schedules
This page will give you a general overview of the release schedules for:

  • Nielsen Audio Data
  • Call Letter Changes
  • Public Lineups
  • Format & Group Owner Data

Exact Nielsen Audio dates can be found on Nielsen Audio's web site, using the links below.
GENERAL NOTES ON DATA RELEASES
We send email announcements prior to all data releases. We generally release Nielsen Audio data at 3PM ET (12N PT). To see a list of survey schedules (the dates the surveys were conducted), please go to Nielsen Audio's Survey Schedules.


NIELSEN AUDIO DATA


DMA Nationwide Data (Bi-Annually)

Frequency: This data is released twice per year.

Release Period: One day, with all markets.


Release Schedule: Nielsen Audio DMA Nationwide data is released as follows:

  • Fall data is typically released in early to mid-March
  • Spring data is typically released in early to mid-September


PPM Metro Data (Monthly)

Frequency: Approximately monthly, starting in February through December, for each of the 12 months of data.

Release Period: Daily, across 4 days each survey.


Release Schedule: Nielsen Audio PPM Metro data is typically released in the month following the survey, such as the January survey data being released in February. The last 3 months of the year (Oct-Dec) often have survey data released at the end of the same month, rather than the following month.


For a detailed list of which markets are released on which days for each survey, please log into http://login.apps.nielsen.com, and go to Quick Links > Audio Workspace > Delivery and Survey Schedules > PPM Delivery Schedules. When reading this Nielsen Audio schedule, look for the last row in each survey entitled, "Week 4 & monthly" - these are the 4 days we release that survey's data.

Three Month PPM Averages are released on the 4th day (last day) of the 4th week (last week) for March, June, September and December surveys.


CDM Metro Data (Monthly)

Frequency: Approximately monthly, starting in February through January, for each of the 12 months of data.

Release Period: Daily, typically across 9-11 days each survey.


Release Schedule: Nielsen Audio CDM Metro data is typically released in the month following the survey, such as the July survey data being released in August.


For a detailed list of which markets are released on which days for each survey, please log into http://login.apps.nielsen.com, and go to Quick Links > Audio Workspace > Delivery and Survey Schedules > CDM Delivery Schedules. 

As the survey draws near, exact delivery dates for each market can also be obtained using Nielsen Audio's Delivery Schedule tool. NOTE: You will need to choose your survey and choose the service "Summary Data".


Diary Metro Data (Quarterly)

Frequency: This data is released twice per year, for Fall and Spring.*

Release Period: Daily, across about 4 weeks each survey.


Release Schedule: Nielsen Audio Diary Metro data is typically released in the month following the end of the quarter/survey as follows:

  • Fall (Oct-Nov-Dec data) typically start releasing in early January
  • Spring (Apr-May-Jun data) typically start releasing in late July

 

For exact delivery dates for each market in each survey, please use Nielsen Audio's Delivery Schedule tool. NOTE: You will need to choose your survey and choose the service "Tapscan Web".

 *Note that the former Summer Diary Quarterly data is now called September CDM data (as of 2019) and the former Winter Diary Quarterly data is now called March CDM data (as of 2020).


CALL LETTERS, PUBLICS, FORMATS & GROUP OWNERS
(the "M" file)
Frequency: We release "M" files every month. The "M" files released in February through December include the latest call letter changes, the latest publics, and the latest station formats and group owners. The "M" file released in January does not typically include call letter changes, but does contain updated publics, station formats and group owners.
Release Date: One day per month.

This data is typically released 1 to 2 business days prior to the first day we begin delivering monthly Nielsen Audio PPM data. As the first release day of Nielsen Audio PPM data is commonly a Monday, this usually means we release the "M" file on the Thursday or Friday prior.

A Note on Call Letter Releases: The call letter changes found in an "M" file typically represent all the Nielsen Audio reported changes that occurred 15 to 45 days prior to its release. For example, the "M" file released in early May contains call letter changes in late March through late April.

For a detailed list of which markets are released on which days for each survey, please log into http://login.apps.nielsen.com, and go to Quick Links > Audio Workspace > Delivery and Survey Schedules > PPM Delivery Schedules. When reading this Nielsen Audio schedule, look for the last row in each survey entitled, "Week 4 & monthly" - our "M" file will be released 1 to 2 business days before the first date listed there.


NOTE: These dates and schedules are approximate and are subject to change based on Nielsen Audio's scheduling and other unforeseen circumstances.