SSRS Acquires Edison Research | Expanding Global Expertise in Media, Polling & Podcast Analytics
An excellent move that signals the next evolution in global polling and audience intelligence, SSRS has officially acquired Edison Research, uniting two of the most respected names in the fields of survey research, media analytics, and public opinion measurement.
This merger is not just a business transaction — it’s a strategic alignment of methodologies, innovation, and global reach. The partnership aims to redefine how data informs democracy, media strategy, and digital transformation in an era of rapidly changing public behavior.
Inside the Deal: SSRS Expands Its Global Research Footprint
The acquisition of Edison Research marks a pivotal moment for SSRS, strengthening its capacity to deliver insightful, cross-platform data to clients across politics, media, and academia.
According to SSRS, this union enhances its ability to serve a growing demand for accurate, transparent, and actionable research — particularly in areas like:
Election and opinion polling
Podcast and digital audio research
Media audience measurement
Behavioral and cultural insights
With this acquisition, SSRS cements its reputation as a global leader in public opinion research, capable of addressing both traditional survey challenges and next-generation digital analytics.
Edison Research: A Legacy of Accuracy and Innovation
Founded by Joe Lenski and Larry Rosin, Edison Research has long been recognized as one of the most influential names in modern polling and media analysis.
Since 2003, Edison has served as the exclusive provider of Election Day polling for the National Election Pool (NEP) in the United States — a role that defines its credibility and methodological rigor.
Beyond politics, Edison has pioneered audio and podcast research, becoming the go-to firm for data on media consumption, listener trends, and digital engagement.
Key Achievements of Edison Research:
Exclusive Election Day polling partner for major U.S. television networks and news outlets
Developer of “The Infinite Dial”, one of the most cited annual reports on digital audio and podcasting trends
Conducted international studies across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America
Innovated audience measurement tools for streaming platforms and broadcast networks
SSRS: A Trusted Authority in Survey Research
SSRS is widely respected for its methodological excellence and public trust, especially in election forecasting, social policy research, and demographic analysis. Its projects range from national polling for major media outlets to social science studies for non-profit organizations and government agencies.
With this acquisition, SSRS not only expands its portfolio of expertise but also reinforces its standing as a leader in credible, science-based polling amid an age of misinformation and AI-generated data.
Core Strengths of SSRS:
Deep specialization in public opinion, political, and social research
Cutting-edge data collection and analytics technologies
Long-standing partnerships with universities, think tanks, and broadcasters
Focus on methodological transparency and inclusivity in research
A Merger of Minds: Leadership Vision for the Future
Under the terms of the acquisition, Edison Research co-founders Larry Rosin and Joe Lenski will join SSRS’s leadership team. Their inclusion signals not just continuity but an expansion of the creative and analytical capabilities that have long defined both organizations.
Statements from Key Leaders:
Melissa Herrmann, President of SSRS, stated: “By bringing Edison Research and SSRS together, we’re combining two teams with a shared passion for research and innovation. Our alliance expands the ways we can support research partners and deepens our ability to help the public, media, and policymakers make sense of how people think, vote, and engage with the world.”
Larry Rosin, President of Edison Research, added: “Both companies are dedicated to rigorous methodologies and advancing the field of research. Together, we will build on Edison’s legacy in audio and election studies while creating new opportunities for growth.”
Their shared commitment to integrity, curiosity, and innovation ensures that the newly combined organization will continue setting standards for quality and reliability in a data-driven world.
What This Means for the Global Research Landscape
This merger arrives at a crucial time when media fragmentation, digital transformation, and political polarization are reshaping how audiences consume information — and how institutions interpret it.
Impact Areas:
Election Research: SSRS will now have direct access to Edison’s decades of experience with real-time election data collection and analysis. This will improve accuracy and expand international election studies.
Podcast and Audio Analytics: Edison’s leadership in podcast metrics and audience tracking gives SSRS a strong foothold in the booming global podcasting industry — projected to surpass $35 billion in value by 2030.
Digital Media Strategy: Together, they can offer more robust cross-platform insights — from traditional broadcast metrics to emerging forms of digital and social media engagement.
Public Trust in Data: At a time when misinformation erodes confidence in surveys and polls, this merger represents a renewed focus on transparency, accuracy, and research ethics.
How the Merger Enhances Innovation and Methodology
Both companies share a foundation built on scientific research principles — but the merger will accelerate methodological innovation through:
Advanced Data Integration: Combining survey-based data with behavioral analytics.
AI and Machine Learning Applications: Leveraging predictive models for audience behavior.
Global Sample Representation: Expanding diverse, inclusive sampling methodologies.
Next-Gen Research Platforms: Building cloud-based dashboards for real-time media tracking.
This fusion of legacy expertise and new technology promises to make SSRS + Edison the benchmark for 21st-century insight firms.
The Future of Audio Research and Podcast Intelligence
Edison Research has long been synonymous with podcast and digital audio research. Its reports like The Infinite Dial and Share of Ear shaped how broadcasters, advertisers, and content creators understand listening habits.
By integrating with SSRS, these studies could evolve further — offering deeper segmentation, audience psychographics, and international reach.
Anticipated Developments:
Enhanced cross-market audio data combining podcast, streaming, and broadcast metrics
Expansion into non-English-language podcast markets
New partnership models for advertisers and platforms looking to understand listener engagement
Application of AI-driven sentiment analysis to audio content and listener feedback
A Look at Edison’s Global Reach
Over the past two decades, Edison Research has completed groundbreaking projects across multiple continents, examining voter behavior, audience trends, and digital transitions in emerging markets.
Their studies have contributed to understanding how technology adoption shapes civic participation and media access. For SSRS, this means inheriting a truly international research infrastructure, capable of delivering high-quality insights in diverse cultural contexts.
Client Continuity and Future Collaborations
Both firms have confirmed that they will continue to serve existing clients without disruption, while integrating new service offerings in:
Audience Measurement & Tracking
Media Performance Benchmarking
Consumer Behavior Studies
Public Policy & Social Impact Research
The merger also opens doors to new collaborations with global media outlets, tech platforms, and academic institutions.
Industry Reaction: Positive Signals Across Media and Academia
The merger has already drawn attention from experts in research, journalism, and communication technology. Analysts predict that the combined SSRS-Edison entity will become a “research powerhouse” capable of setting industry benchmarks.
Reactions from Industry Observers:
Media Analysts: Expect improved accuracy in election coverage and media metrics.
Podcast Producers: Anticipate more refined audience data for advertising and content planning.
Academics: Welcome the merger as a case study in the evolution of ethical, large-scale data science.
A New Era for Evidence-Based Decision-Making
As governments, corporations, and media organizations increasingly rely on data to inform policy and strategy, the merger underscores a vital truth: accurate research is not optional — it’s essential.
The combined expertise of SSRS and Edison will provide clarity in complexity, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions in uncertain times.
Conclusion: More Than a Merger — A Mission
The acquisition of Edison Research by SSRS is not merely a corporate expansion; it’s a commitment to truth, transparency, and technological innovation in public understanding. Together, they aim to illuminate how people think, feel, and act — shaping a world where data serves democracy rather than distorts it.
As both teams move forward, the global research community watches closely — not just to see what they’ll measure next, but how they’ll redefine the science of understanding human behavior.
