Nielsen Strengthens US Local Television Sample

In the US, Nielsen is increasing the size of its local television sample in fifteen Local People Meter markets, to increase the stability of the ratings and improve representation of hard-to-reach demographics.

Five previously announced markets - Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston, Miami and Denver - will see an increase of 200 homes this year; while the two largest markets, New York and Los Angeles, will have their sample sizes increased by 300 homes next year. In addition, the following eight markets will each have their sample size increased by 200 homes in 2015: Charlotte, St. Louis, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta and Phoenix. On average these increases represent a +30% increase in sample size.

In the 31 set meter markets, Nielsen will expand the sample by 200 homes in each market over the next two years, representing an almost 50% increase in sample size across the set meter market footprint.

Matt O'Grady (pictured), EVP Managing Director Local Media, comments: 'Nielsen is committed to continuous improvement of quality local television measurement now and into the future. With this supplemental expansion, our local media clients will see increased stability through expanded metered samples and electronic measurement to diary markets that never had metered samples.'

Web site: www.nielsen.com .