Nielsen To Delay Findings On Cause Of Lost PPM Connectivity

No Explanation Yet

Almost two weeks ago (NET NEWS 11/10), NIELSEN informed audio clients that as a result of a move to a new audio data collection site, 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.

NIELSEN explained, "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."

While those results are delayed, a NIELSEN spokesperson told ALL ACCESS that the FRIDAY client webinar will go on as scheduled. What's more, "The delivery schedule for DECEMBER Week One is delayed to enable a thorough quality review of the data. Markets that were originally scheduled for delivery on NOVEMBER 30th, DECEMBER 1st and DECEMBER 2nd will be rescheduled. We expect to deliver all markets on MONDAY, DECEMBER 5th."

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