A system, apparatus, method and computer program product to obtain comprehensive
vehicle radio listener statistics based on parameters such as radio status (e.g.,
on/off status and CD/Tape/AM/FM setting), radio volume, station preset information,
current frequency setting (i.e., station identification), and Global Positioning
Satellite (GPS) system coordinates is disclosed. A vehicle-mounted field unit for
collecting and transmitting such parameters to a base station is also disclosed.
The system monitors and stores all events related to the occupants' interaction
with the vehicle's radio, including automatic detection of the selected radio station
through a speaker port. The stored data is then transmitted to a base station's
central collection computer for immediate compilation and analysis. The system
is capable of producing detailed reports containing error-free, unbiased, audience
measurement statistics which can be made available to subscribers such as broadcasters,
corporate advertisers, advertising agencies and the like.