Nielsen to update TV ratings to better reflect consumer habits
From September, 2013, it is reported that Nielsen will be able to include data from streaming services, such as Amazon and Netflix, into its ratings. The changes, agreed in a meeting this Tuesday, will mean the upgrade of hardware and software installed in the 23,000 U.S. households Nielsen monitors.
The changes are being made to better reflect the television viewing habits of today’s consumer. Currently, Nielsen only reports on television viewing that takes place via an over-the-air antenna or via pay-TV such as cable or satellite. From September, homes that watch television programming online via broadband or through video-game consoles will also be measured.
It won’t be until 2014 that television viewing on tablets and other mobile devices are fully integrated into Nielsen’s ratings, reports The Hollywood Reporter, where this story was first featured.
“While some use of iPads and other tablets that receive broadband in the home will be included in the first phase of measurement improvements, a second phase is envisioned to include such devices in a more comprehensive fashion. The second phase is envisioned to roll out on a slower timetable, according to sources, will the overall goal to attempt to capture video viewing of any kind from any source.”
