Story Created:
Aug 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST
Story Updated:
Aug 21, 2008 at 6:27 PM EST
Arbitron has released their revised numbers for the Rhode Island morning drive time for the Spring of '08. Most notably is the fact that WPRO-AM significantly dropped in ranking from #4 to #9.
Last week ABC 6 reported that Arbitron, the company that tracks ratings by sending out diaries to random households, was saying that something wasn't quite adding up with their spring numbers.
They ended up throwing out the information from 6 diaries, which all came from the same household. They said that those diaries would not be included in their final numbers because they came from a house that had some connection to local radio or TV.
Arbitron still isn't saying where that house is, but WPRO competitor WHJJ claimed it was in East Greenwich, the same town where WPRO-AM morning drive host, John DePetro lives. WHJJ said 6 people from that house listened to DePetro's show for more than 109 hours out of a possible 120, just in one week alone.
Here are the revised numbers, released by Arbitron (persons 25-54, average Quarter Share):
Former Rank Current Rank
1- WHJY-FM 1- WHJY-FM
2- WEEI-FM 2- WEEI-FM
3- WPRO-FM 3- WPRO-FM
4- WPRO-AM 4- WWLI-FM
5- WWLI-FM 5- WCTK-FM
6- WCTK-FM 6- WSNE-FM
7- WSNE-FM 7- WPMZ-AM
8- WPMZ-AM 8- WWBB-FM
9- WWBB-FM 9- WPRO-AM
10-WJMN-FM 10- WJMN-FM
ABC 6 reporter Julie Ruditzky has more...
Monday, Aug 18 at 8:40 PM Ed wrote ...
Where is the follow up? What is the going rate to adversise on WPRO now. What does PRO stand for anyway? It is not how they run their operation it is not professional now. I was surprised Depetro was on the air today. I heard his voice then went over to WHJJ.
6148559Wednesday, Aug 13 at 12:56 PM Denise wrote ...
WPRO Take Note! I will not support ANY establishment that DePetro supports this goes for Paul Masse FIRST! And I will let all of them know WHY I will not spend any of my money on any advertiser who Depetro Supports and advertises for!
6030392Tuesday, Aug 12 at 9:28 PM Eilene wrote ...
Pro, why are you so quiet on this subject? Why are you not telling or explaining to your listeners exactly what happened and by whom. Do you expect your listeners to be loyal, then you have to treat us with respect and give us the answers. Otherwise, you can lose more than just the Jon listeners, you can lose WPRO listeners. If you cannot be honest with us, then it is good-bye
6014324Tuesday, Aug 12 at 8:11 PM Rich wrote ...
Depetro is an inadequate little man in other words a pipsqueak. When I was in NY he would be called a Guido or an IROC. Just another piece of Cranston trash. If he is a Hendrickican man I know I will not send my kids to that school.
6012864Tuesday, Aug 12 at 6:01 PM Aunti J- Providence wrote ...
Time for John DePetro to leave the airwaves. His credibility is gone--if indeed he ever had any at all. Do I think he was involved in the rating scandal in some way? You can bet your #$* I do. If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck, SMELLS like a duck, and sounds like a duck, it is a duck. Maybe John should contact Carl Rove. I hear he is looking for a court jester. Finally, WPRO, your refusal to address this issue has just lost you another listener.
6010519Tuesday, Aug 12 at 2:51 PM Jen wrote ...
Hummell is a Hypocrite. First he knock the station, then he takes a radio stint. Make of your mind Jim. And Pro. What are you thinking these days. You have one that cooked the ratings and you have another who is a turn coat. What gives with you guys anyway.
6006349Tuesday, Aug 12 at 12:58 PM kevin wrote ...
Just look at the businesses that use Deptro to sell their product? These places turnover so quickly. I will not use anyplace that use his services. I listen to Matt Alan. I use Buono's Bakery he is the most ethic on PRO then Yorke.
6003269Tuesday, Aug 12 at 12:01 PM Jow Ling wrote ...
DePetro is a pathetic little man who lashes out at people and sounds stupid every time that he opens his mouth. Shame on PRO for employing him!
6001589Tuesday, Aug 12 at 11:48 AM Sara Spellman, Bristol wrote ...
Believe me people. Depetro is smarter than that to write in those diaries but I bet he might know who did it. Stop trashing Hummel! He's the best.
6001132Tuesday, Aug 12 at 10:35 AM Trish wrote ...
About the WORST thing PRO could do is hire Jim Hummel. After the way he treated Ch. 6, I would think ANY company would hesitate to hire him. Ch. 6 even gave him a nice tribute! I have left plenty of jobs without bad-mouthing them. It speaks volumes about who Jim Hummel really is. Fire one dishonest trouble-maker only to hire another one?? Doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense.
5999007Tuesday, Aug 12 at 7:25 AM Henry Snyder, Wakefield wrote ...
If there was a way for PRO to blame the unions they probably would, except state workers can't afford to live in East G., like JD and St.Pierre
5994144Tuesday, Aug 12 at 7:18 AM Carolyn Frye wrote ...
Where, in any news item, has DePetro been accused, let alone proven to be the master mind behind "cooking the books" to reflect higher ratings? He may not have had a thing to do with this...could be some over zealous fans who are responsible. Middletown.
5993992Tuesday, Aug 12 at 5:49 AM Barbara wrote ...
Jim, you are a bit of a two face. Part of the reason you left channel 6 news was because you did not like having Buddy as a colleague. So how come you are on the same radio show. You should get your act together. Either you like channel 6 or you don't. But don't play games with the people. We don't like it. You even pitched in for Dan Y. So when I hear you on the station, I turn you out too. I am sticking by Buddy and shutting JD and you, should you come on again.
5992977Monday, Aug 11 at 9:21 PM Ed wrote ...
Just listen to his callers, all ignorants, the sterotypical people of Federal Hill, Johnston, Silver Lake. His buddies are Steve Laffey, and Jeff Derdarian. These two individuals could spin an issue but cannot give a straight answer. Look at who dilike this guy Dan Yorke from the same station he must laughing to himself. Since Jim Hummel left your station WPRO should hire Jim and fire Depetro another choice hire Arlene Violet. The people I mentioned have something Depetro does not have manners.
5989399Monday, Aug 11 at 7:02 PM Brian wrote ...
Well, WPRO has lost this listener....DePetro should go. Brian Alverson, Middletown, RI
5987042Monday, Aug 11 at 2:51 PM Tony wrote ...
Bye JD.. Providence gave you a shot and you blew it. WPRO brought back Cordishi recently, they should bring back "Coach Colletto" in morning drive.
5981702Monday, Aug 11 at 1:06 PM Dennis wrote ...
Amazing that DePetro would be a lying cheat! He has clearly shown his true colors again! WPRO should admonish him for giving a black eye to a great radio station WPRO-AM. Dennis Auclair Lincoln RI
5979182Monday, Aug 11 at 12:29 PM Vanessa wrote ...
Wow. Thats a huge difference. DePetro should be ashamed of himself - he's a cheater, hope hes a sore loser as well.
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