Critical TNS Pulls Plug on Latvian TV Tender

TNS has announced its withdrawal from the LAA-JIC tender for TV audience measurement in Latvia, criticising the process which it says is not 'transparent, open and fair'. Terms included in the tender could compromise the business interests of its existing clients, the firm says. The tender covers 2007-12.

Tony Taylor, Global Marketing Director, TNS TV and Radio Audience Measurement, commented: 'TNS participates in many competitive tenders around the world and in the last few years we have been very pleased with our track record in winning. One important factor in any tender, however, is that it is seen to be transparent, open and fair. Growing concerns in the industry in Latvia in recent weeks have led us to believe that this is not the case in the Latvian tender process.'

Olivier Bisserier, Finance Director, TNS Europe, said the decision had been a difficult one: 'TNS has been providing TV audience measurement services in Latvia since 1994... However, we have long-term contractual commitments to our clients in the Baltics across a number of different services including TAM. There are specific clauses in the terms of reference of this tender, which lead us to believe that our participation could compromise the business interests of our clients. Reluctantly, therefore, we have decided to withdraw from the tender.'

TNS says it will continue to fulfil its obligations to clients and partners in the Baltic region and is continuing to enhance the level of service in the Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian TAM markets respectively.

The group's home page is at www.tns-global.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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