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Mediabase

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Mediabase, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 9 August 2025
Mediabase
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryMusic industry, Radio airplay monitoring
Founded1985
FounderNancy Deitemeyer, Rich Deitemeyer
Headquarters
United States
Area served
United States, Canada
ParentiHeartMedia

Mediabase is a music industry platform that tracks radio airplay across 180 markets in the United States and Canada. It delivers music charts and detailed data on the most frequently played tracks on both terrestrial and satellite radio, providing analytical resources tailored for professionals in radio and the recording business. Mediabase's charts are regularly showcased on prominent radio countdown shows, televised music award ceremonies, and international industry publications. The company functions as a subsidiary of iHeartMedia.

History

Established in 1985 by Nancy and Rich Deitemeyer (also known as Rich Meyer), Mediabase—initially named Mediascan—became the pioneering mass-airplay monitoring service within the industry by 1987. Ownership later transferred to a private equity firm based in Detroit, followed by acquisitions by Premiere Radio Networks, Jacor Communications, Clear Channel Communications, and eventually Bain Capital.

In January 1988, Mediabase introduced Monday Morning Replay, a trade publication presenting airplay data from the top 35 US markets, which eventually broadened its scope to cover 180 markets across the US and Canada. The company evolved from distributing data via disks in 1992 to offering Internet-based services starting in 1997. Mediabase has provided data to numerous B2B trade outlets including Radio & Records, Gavin, Hits, and Friday Morning Quarterback. Its weekly charts are featured in the LIFE section of USA Today. Mediabase serves as the official chart provider for USA Today, the American Music Awards, and syndicated shows such as American Top 40 hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

Charts and data

Mediabase generates song rankings and airplay reports spanning over twenty radio formats, monitoring more than 1,800 radio stations throughout the US and Canada, encompassing HD channels, video outlets, and satellite radio platforms.

The charts it publishes appear on important business-to-business (B2B) and consumer-facing platforms including AllAccess, Friday Morning Quarterback, Country Aircheck, and Hits Daily Double.

Music industry leaders gain access to comprehensive charts and analytics through exclusive B2B subscription services. Additionally, Mediabase manages Rate the Music, a consumer-oriented tool that scores songs on a scale from 1 to 5 while assessing listener fatigue levels—offering valuable insights for both radio programmers and record companies.

Since November 2022, Billboard has incorporated Mediabase’s data to compile its Radio Songs chart, a crucial factor impacting placements on the Hot 100 chart in Canada and the United States.

Countdown

Mediabase charts form the foundation of several leading radio countdown shows such as:

Additional Information

Mediabase functions as the key programming resource for nationally syndicated broadcasts including Open House Party, After Midnite, and Nighttime with Delilah.

Monitored Formats

Canadian Radio

External Links

Related profiles

NNielsen AudioEEncuesta, Inc.NNielsen Media ResearchCComscore
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