Mediabase
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mediabase is a division of Premiere Radio Networks. Mediabase is a music industry website containing in-depth charts and analysis based on the monitoring of 1,836 radio stations in the US and Canada, in 175 radio markets. Mediabase features realtime charts in 25 radio formats, based on radio airplay. In addition, its services features literally hundreds of analytical tools. Mediabase also owns a service called ratethemusic.com, where consumers rate music.
Nearly 1,800 radio stations subscribe to Mediabase's monitoring service, via network affiliations. The Mediabase network consistently ranks in the top five in several key advertiser demos, according to RADAR, the industry's primary ratings service. Thousands of record company and entertainment executives also subscribe.
Mediabase charts are the basis of many well known radio countdowns and programs, including American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest, American Top 10 Casey Kasem, Ben and Brian's Big Top 20 Countdown, Jeff Foxworthy Countdown, Live In The Den with Big Tigger, Bob Kingsley's Country Countdown, CMT Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton, and After Midnite.
Contents |
[edit] History
Mediabase, which is one of two primary music monitoring services that tracks radio airplay, began operations in 1985, known then as Mediascan. In 1987, it changed its name to Mediabase, and became the industry's first airplay "mass-monitoring" company (Nielsen/BDS came later in the decade).
In January of 1988, Mediabase began publishing a trade magazine known as Monday Morning Replay, featuring monitored airplay in the top 35 markets. In 1992, Mediabase switched to a "data disk" method of delivery, so that it could supply deeper data to its customers. In 1997, Mediabase moved its product to the Internet, and introduced Mediabase 24/7. Over the years, Mediabase has supplied its data to numerous trade publications, such as Radio & Records, Network Magazine Group, Gavin, Hits, and more.
On August 8, 2006, Mediabase began publishing personalized 4-color PDFs to more than 6,000 unique users. Each user has the ability to customize the content of their PDF, which is up to 50 pages in length, and is supported by record company advertising. In addition, Mediabase began publishing "America's Music Charts" in USA Today on August 8. A full page of 12 radio charts in the USA Today Life section, across from new music reviews. As an additional consumer interface, Mediabase has since introduced the MEDIABASE MUSIC MINUTE, heard network-wide on Premiere Radio Networks, with a reach of nearly 200 million listeners per week. The Mediabase Music Minute is radio format specific, and features new music releases. In addition to the consumer interfaces, Mediabase has announced deals with the following trade journals and websites: All Access, All About Country, FMQB, Hits, Inside Radio, Urban Insite and AC Radio.com. On August 14, 23-year R&R Country Editor Lon Helton left to form his own company, which also uses Mediabase in its new publication, Country Aircheck. In late 2006 Mediabase will add an official website that will allow the public access to their charts.
There are 28 unique charts in Mediabase; US Radio, and Canada Radio.
[edit] US Radio
- Mainstream AC
- Hot AC
- Rhythmic AC
- Adult Hits
- CHR/Pop
- CHR/Rhythmic
- Dance (Featured in FMQB only)
- Urban
- Urban AC
- Country
- Alternative
- Active Rock
- Mainstream Rock
- Classic Rock
- AAA
- Oldies
- Smooth Jazz
- Christian AC
- Gospel
- Regional Mexican
- Spanish Contemporary
- Tropical Latin
[edit] Canada Radio
- Country
- Rock
- Modern Rock
- Mainstream AC
- Hot AC
- Top 40
