Gane to Help Develop New South African Radio Survey

South Africa's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has commissioned UK-based media research veteran Roger Gane to provide technical input into the development of a new national radio audience research survey.

In October, NAB issued a request for proposals (RFP) to provide input into the development and design of the new survey. However, on reviewing the requirements of the original RFP, NAB agreed that the terms of reference needed to be expanded, and decided to re-issue the request.

Gane (pictured) has been brought in after a 40+ year career in the market and media research sectors. He previously served as Research Director at Kantar/Havas-owned RSMB, and was MD of Ipsos-RSL, which was responsible for contracts conducted for BARB, RAJAR and the NRS. Prior to RSL, he was the first MD of RAJAR, and he worked for both media owners and major market research companies, including AGB Research. During his career, he was also involved in the initial development of the peoplemeter service; and he has had exposure to the South African radio landscape through his appointment by SAARF last year, to conduct an audit on RAMS, the current radio audience measurement survey.

In addition, NAB has appointed local marcoms consultancy Yardstick to manage the invitation to tender (ITT) process for the new survey. Guided by Gane and Yardstick, the detailed tender process will be finalised and published in the next couple of months.

In a statement, NAB said: 'We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent tender process and to this end, key stakeholders, including marketers and media agencies, will be consulted for the duration of the process. This will safeguard the interests of key stakeholders and provide a robust and independent outcome. The NAB is indebted to research entities and to other stakeholders for their continued interest in this process.'

Web site: www.nabsa.co.za .