Static over merger: Nielsen deal eyed

TV ratings giant Nielsen is running into rising regulatory static over its $1.26 billion deal for Arbriton, the dominant radio measurement firm.

Rather than wrapping up its months-long review of the deal as expected, the Federal Trade Commission is busy sending out additional requests for information. The latest round of questionnaires went out to TV station owners that stand to be affected by the merger of the two measurement giants, according to sources. The FTC will decide whether to let the deal go through or move to block it. It could also enter into a settlement with Nielsen, in which the company agrees to divest assets or make other changes to win approval for the deal.