Arbitron says CEO gave false testimony to Congress

(AP) — Arbitron Inc. says its CEO resigned this week because of false statements he gave to a congressional committee.

The media research firm says Michael Skarzynski, who resigned Monday, told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last month that he had participated in a home visit to Arbitron panelists in November. While company officials did make the visit, Arbitron said Skarzynski did not attend.

Arbitron board member Bill Kerr, who also serves as chairman of the magazine publisher Meredith Corp., has been appointed CEO.

The company's stock fell $2.54, or 9.5 percent, to $24.16 in afternoon trading.