Switching Radio Stations While Driving: Magnitude,Motivation, and Measurement Issues

station, this study looked at what motivates audiences to turn away. Among the findings of a general public survey of more than 350 people were that (a) drivers frequently switch stations during a mere quarter-hour listening span, and (b) avoidance of commercials (or zapping) was by far the most influential motivator. In light of these findings, this article discusses the limitations of conventional Arbitron quarter-hour methodology to measure station switching and explores how the company's experimental electronic Personal People Meter (PPM) can offer a welcome solution to this problem.