Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2011

Taxes [Abstract]

Taxes

12. Taxes

The effective tax rate increased to 39.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, from 37.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increase includes the estimated effect of certain Arbitron Mobile operating losses, which are subject to limitation, and may not be available to offset future taxable income.

During 2011, the Company’s net unrecognized tax benefits for certain tax contingencies decreased from $1.9 million as of December 31, 2010, to $1.1 million as of September 30, 2011. The decrease is attributable to the settlement of a state audit and expiration of statutes of limitations in various jurisdictions. If recognized, the $1.1 million in unrecognized tax benefits would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods.

Income taxes paid for the nine-months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, were $21.1 million and $19.4 million, respectively.