Product News | October 11, 2021

Arbitron Portable People Meter(TM) Technology to Audit Broadsign’s Advertising “Proof-of-Play”

Arbitron launches first electronic, content playback verification service for Digital Out-of-Home Industry using the Portable People Meter technology

Columbia, Maryland, September 16, 2009

Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) announced today that it has signed an agreement with Broadsign International, a leading worldwide provider of software solutions for managing digital out-of-home video networks, to deliver a proof-of-play advertising audit service using the Portable People Meter (PPM(TM)) technology.
Arbitron will use its PPM technology to conduct a series of annual audits capturing when encoded audio and video advertising content is displayed on networked digital screens in 50 random broadsign-run locations across the United States. The data will be compared with the Broadsign commercial schedule logs. This verification system equips digital out-of-home networks with base metrics to substantiate return-on-investment to advertisers.

“For screen audience numbers to be relevant to advertisers, you have to prove first that their ads played as scheduled and the screens were on,” says Brian Dusho, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Broadsign International. “By auditing our proof-of-play reporting system with the help of Arbitron, we are giving our client networks an added level of transparency and assurance for justifying ad rate cards and for their negotiations with advertisers.”

Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) is a highly targeted medium. DOOH networks have versatile control over which message will be played where, and whether the screens are on and displaying the right content. The ability to control and target the content creates a logistical challenge for networks’ reporting applications.

The PPM technology-based proof-of-play audit by Arbitron is the first such service in digital out-of-home industry. It replaces manual monitoring of screens with advanced technology, which simplifies the task of verifying advertising compliance and makes the verification more scalable.

“One of the barriers to large-scale media buys in digital out-of-home space has been the lack of standardized metrics,” said Alton Adams, Executive Vice President, Arbitron Inc. “The Portable People Meter technology will help establish the first tier of accountability to digital out-of-home advertisers, laying the foundation for any other measurement in this new medium. The PPM technology is well-suited to capture proof-of-play as the technology captures distinct content and the time of broadcast.”
Arbitron’s PPM technology-based audit methodology was successfully tested in October 2006 during a pilot program at broadsign-run Digital Promo Network, which operates screens in convenience stores across the United States.

About Broadsign

Broadsign International Inc. is a leading worldwide provider of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions for managing digital out-of-home networks. Broadsign SaaS was built for digital signage networks that generate revenue from advertising sales. It resolves the challenges facing modern digital signage networks: the need for acceptance by the mainstream advertising community, time to market and the need for full campaign execution functionality, accountability and true scalability. The software enables operators to target out-of-home audiences, sell network airtime, and reliably play back scheduled content on each screen and account for campaign performance. Broadsign combines extensive expertise in digital signage software, media, advertising, and information technology and is a member of the Out-of-home Video Advertising Bureau (OVAB), OVAB Europe, OAAA, the Digital Signage Association and CODA. 230 digital signage networks in 25 countries run on Broadsign(TM) Suite platform. The company’s corporate office, Operations, Support and Development facilities are in Montreal, Canada.

For more, visit www.broadsign.com

About Arbitron

Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) is a media and marketing research firm serving the media – radio, television, cable, online radio and out-of-home – as well as advertisers and advertising agencies. Arbitron’s core businesses are measuring network and local market radio audiences across the United States; surveying the retail, media and product patterns of local market consumers; and providing application software used for analyzing media audience and marketing information data. The company has developed the Portable People Meter(TM), a new technology for media and marketing research.
Portable People Meter(TM) and PPM(TM) are marks of Arbitron Inc.

PPM ratings are based on audience estimates and are the opinion of Arbitron and should not be relied on for precise accuracy or precise representativeness of a demographic or radio market.

Arbitron Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release that are not strictly historical, including the statements regarding expectations for 2009 and any other statements regarding events or developments that we believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, may be “forward-looking” statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, the current global economic recession and the upheaval in the credit markets and financial services industry, competition, our ability to develop and successfully market new products and technologies, our ability to successfully commercialize our Portable People Meter(TM) service, the growth rates and cyclicality of markets we serve, our ability to expand our business in new markets, our ability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate appropriate acquisitions, the impact of increased costs of data collection including a trend toward increasing incidence of cell phone-only households, litigation and other contingent liabilities including intellectual property matters, our compliance with applicable laws and regulations and changes in applicable laws and regulations, our ability to achieve projected efficiencies, cost reductions, sales growth and earnings, and international economic, political, legal and business factors. Additional information regarding the factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements is available in our SEC filings, including our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

Product News | October 11, 2021

Putting people first: Why Broadsign was named one of Canada’s top employers

Recently, we announced that we have been recognized as one of Montreal’s Top Employers, and now, we’re thrilled to share that Broadsign has been named one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers, too! This award recognizes small and medium-sized businesses across the nation that foster positive workplace cultures through progressive and forward-thinking human resources policies.

Seeing as we’ve put a lot of work into building a workplace where everyone feels welcome, achieving this honour for a sixth consecutive year matters greatly to us. 

What makes Broadsign such a special place? When employees talk about what they love most about working here, the answer is almost always the same: the team makes all the difference. But it’s not just about the colleagues we collaborate with—a people-first attitude is embedded into our company DNA. Whether it’s reflected in the perks that support a healthy work-life balance or in the managers who champion growth and encourage everyone to bring their best to the table, it all comes down to one thing at Broadsign: the people.

Don’t just take our word for it—some of our Broadsigners have shared what they believe makes Broadsign one of the top employers in Canada. Check out what they have to say below. 

An emphasis on professional development and continued learning

Business Analyst Viraj Gandhi has been part of the Broadsign team for over six years. When he first joined, he was new to the world of finance, so he focused on projects and tasks that would help him gain a deeper understanding of how a finance team operates. Through this hands-on experience, he became familiar with customers and vendors, as well as key processes like accounts receivable and accounts payable.

Viraj quickly picked up the concepts and found himself increasingly drawn to the department’s work. Eager to grow, he approached his manager to express his interest in learning more and taking on greater responsibilities.

“In my day-to-day as a business analyst, the first thing is, of course, coffee,” he says, laughing. “But after that, it’s my job to shed a lot of light and provide as much information to various corners of the company as possible.”

So, what about Broadsign that makes it such a great workplace? For starters, it’s the company’s emphasis on well-being. The company’s leadership team understands that the best work happens when employees feel united and understood and operate under a shared mission. 

But it goes beyond cocktail hours and good vibes. When Viraj began to express interest in his professional development, he felt supported. His manager encouraged him to take the leap. 

“My manager gradually exposed me to more difficult reporting while always being available to answer and explain any questions I had along the way.” This little extra boost encouraged him to pursue a certification program (FMVA), propelling him to his new job title of Business Analyst.

“There’s a strong emphasis on professional development [at Broadsign] and to continue learning.”

Putting people first, every step of the way

Since joining the company in June 2022, Daniela Rousse, Human Resources Operations Specialist, has become part of a team committed to supporting its employees in ways that go beyond perks and payroll.

It’s not just the HR team—leadership across the company consistently prioritizes people in every decision. “Our team is passionate about our people,” Daniela says, describing Broadsign’s culture. “And our goal is ultimately to help them grow both professionally and personally.”

By actively listening and striving for continuous improvement, Daniela explains, the team works hard to ensure employees feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

Commitment to work-life balance

As a Technical Account Manager, David Muraca’s days are busy at Broadsign. On any given day, you can catch him guiding clients through technical walkthroughs and trainings, managing projects, and more. His role requires agility and an understanding of the products and clients.

Though the work is challenging, David says it isn’t just the work that keeps him motivated, he’s also driven by the corporate culture at Broadsign. 

“I do find that Broadsign is competitive in terms of its benefits,” he says. As a father of two, ensuring he has enough work-life balance is important. But, he says, Broadsign lets him manage his schedule and be there for his children if anything comes up—which sometimes happens with two little kids. 

Having the flexibility to balance his career and busy family life is part of what makes his life at Broadsign so rewarding. 

Where passion meets purpose

Sabrina Allard, Director of Product Marketing, joined the Broadsign team in 2019. Back then, the product marketing team was one person—her. Fast-forward a few years, and today, the team consists of four individuals managing the company’s entire product marketing efforts.

Throughout her time at Broadsign, Sabrina has been involved with countless projects that have involved cross-collaboration with many different departments.

“Everyone is so passionate and driven. There’s so much energy and heart behind everything we do here,” she says. Ultimately, dedication and commitment are two elements that make working at Broadsign meaningful.

Working together to make great things happen 

Broadsign is the kind of employer that empowers its team to speak up, take initiative, and grow professionally. This mindset is what drives us to keep raising the bar while staying true to our people-first values. We’ve always believed that great things happen when we prioritize our people, and earning this recognition is yet another reflection of that commitment.

If you’re looking for a workplace that empowers, supports, and uplifts you, check out our job openings here