Nielsen: 8% Of PPMs Lost Connectivity During December Survey

PPM Problems

NIELSEN has just informed audio clients that as a result of a move to a new audio data collection site last WEEKEND, the company discovered that 8% of the installed PPM devices across the aggregate of 48 PPM markets lost connectivity during the DECEMBER survey and became inactive. The issue was spread fairly evenly across all markets.

The official statement reads:

As the result of a move to a new audio data collection site last weekend, we discovered that 8% of the installed PPMs across the aggregate of 48 PPM markets lost connectivity and became inactive. This connectivity issue began in week one (11/3-11/9) of the DECEMBER PPM monthly survey.

Our Panel Relations Specialists have already been in contact with these homes and all affected panelists have now been sent new PPMs. As of today, 49% of the replacement meters are back online. We expect the balance to come online in the next several days.

We forecast the percentage of installed and fully operational meters eligible for in tab will be 97% for the month of DECEMBER and 92% for week one of December across the aggregate of markets.  Weighting will adjust for demographic and geographic imbalances.
 
Therefore, buyers and sellers will be able to transact business with confidence. Please note that lower in-tab doesn’t equate to lower ratings. However, temporarily higher weights may contribute to more variation during the period of time it takes for these panelist to be back in-tab and fully accounted for.

NIELSEN is conducting an analysis to evaluate panel representation and impact to audience estimates.  We will share the results of this analysis with you during the week of NOVEMBER 21st prior to the delivery of the Weeklies data for week one of DECEMBER.

NIELSEN is committed to meeting high quality standards and we are taking steps to assure that these type of issues do not recur.

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