Debut for Nielsen Digital Audio Ratings

Nielsen has launched a new solution to measure over-the-air radio listening, across mobile apps and web players, regardless of the device used. Results will be comparable with the firm's other media currencies as part of its Total Audience initiative.

The company says the service will track listening via smartphones, tablets and computers, and will allow the industry to assess ROI for digital inventory and investment, while aligning with established broadcast and digital currencies. At present, the service is collecting data on more than 2,500 station streams across all 48 personal people meter (PPM) markets, including those listening to the digital streams of AM/FM radio stations, and to e-radio stations. Measurement of custom-curated and on-demand audio, including podcasts, is 'currently in development', and the service will also expand soon to include diary markets, and to provide regional and national views.

The Ratings combine use of big data, a census-style measurement approach and demographic information from third-party data providers, calibrated with Nielsen's PPM panel. Initially, the service will include average quarter hour (AQH) and average minute audience (AMA) metrics for digital streams. Data from the February and March 2016 surveys will be available on a preview basis, and from April data onwards clients must license the new Ratings to access data for their own and other media properties.

Brad Kelly, MD of Nielsen Audio, comments: 'With the way people consume content in a continual state of change, it's critical to capture all of the platforms where people are listening to audio, whether on the radio, computers or smartphones. To achieve Total Audience for audio, we must provide a comprehensive view of listening behavior across all platforms...'

Web home page: www.nielsen.com .