Mergers Not Hurting Choices, Survey Finds

A radio listener survey bolstered a claim by major U.S. radio chains that industry consolidation has provided more local flavor and diversity in programming.

The report by Arbitron Inc. found that listeners were “very pleased with the programming choices available to them.” About 79% said their choices on local radio are the same or greater than they were five years ago.

Skeptics said the report was biased, as it came from a company whose business is perpetuated by the growth of big radio company profits.