I can confirm that multiple news sources have reported that Bubba The Love Sponge is currently under investigation for ratings tampering. Back in July yours truly did post “Is this the end of Bubba The Love Sponge” pointing out the various discrepancies in his weekly ratings. I had reached out to Bubba and Tuddle for comment regarding these discrepancies and neither chose to respond. This is understandable and I didn’t expect either to reply because from what I understand ratings aren’t supposed to be discussed with the general public.
So what now?
Since the investigation is currently active by both Nielsen & Beasley Broadcast Group I think we’ll have to wait and see. Or do we? For those that are new to the ratings system, and Bubba, Nielsen is the company that conducts & collects the ratings data and Beasley Broadcast Group is the company that employs Bubba as a contractor. Bubba is not an employee of Beasley, but rather a contractor that is paid for the service and product he provides. How big could this accusation possibly be? HUGE! Career ending if proven even in the slightest. Nielsen cannot allow their ratings system to be manipulated and will do everything possible to make sure anyone or company tampering with them is dealt with appropriately. You’ve probably asked how can Nielsen possibly control the destiny of a company or on air talent? It’s simple, they remove them from the ratings system. Beasley is probably working closely with Nielsen, reviewing the evidence, and will essentially do what Nielsen asks rather than face more severe punishment. If any type of ratings tampering is proven, Beasley will have no other choice than to remove Bubba from their airways. There is no other option. If Nielsen removes the ratings system from Bubba’s show, he’s no longer a viable source of income for the company.
Monday is D day!
At 6 AM we’ll find out which direction Beasley is going. Bubba’s on the air, they’re still all-in with him. He’s off the air, with a ‘slip & fall injury’, they’re holding their cards. The station is reformatted… they folded.
Chaz The Love Sponge 