The Nielsen company and the owner of a chain of radio stations say they are investigating allegations of ratings tampering involving the radio host Bubba The Love Sponge Clem.

On Friday, both Nielsen and Beasley Media confirmed the investigation. Beasley Broadcast Group, which owns 53 radio stations in 12 markets and is based in Naples, Florida, wouldn't say whether Clem would remain on the air.

The Tampa Bay-area host was not on his popular morning show on Friday. He told a local TV station that he was unaware of the allegations and was off the air because he hurt himself in a fall. He could not be reached by The Associated Press.

Nielsen said it is aware of evidence of attempted ratings distortion activity in the Tampa radio market and would provide further details once they are available.