In the USA, Nielsen Media Research has announced that it has acquired AudioAudit, a leading provider of broadcast verification technology services for the advertising industry. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
AudioAudit provides a client base of advertisers and ad agencies with the advanced capability to perform real-time broadcast performance management and tracking of television commercial schedules via audio encoding. Its flagship product, AdVantage, offers unique media verification capabilities while enabling clients to increase productivity, operational efficiency, and accuracy.According to Terrie Brennan, SVP, Advertiser Services & New Business Development for Nielsen Media Research, "This acquisition reflects our strong commitment to support our core ratings businesses while continually providing our clients with a broader range of information services for their evolving business needs Audio Audits software complements our existing SIGMA verification service, and moving forward, it will allow us to further grow our existing SIGMA assets".
SIGMA is a verification service from Nielsen that electronically detects airplays of videos distributed to television stations, broadcast networks, and cable networks in all 210 designated markets. SIGMA provides overnight verification of the following: Direct Response Spots; Commercials or Infomercials; VNRs (Video News Releases); PSAs (Public Service Announcements); Promotional announcements; Satellite Media Tours; and Electronic Press Kits.
AudioAudit CEO Paul Hummel added, "The acquisition of AudioAudit by Nielsen Media Research represents the pinnacle of AudioAudits progression toward attaining our mission of providing the best television verification technology products and services to the industry. Nielsen's vast experience, leadership, and resources elevate the platforms continuous monitoring verification to an entirely new level of sophistication and value"
AudioAudit, founded in 1994, will remain in Paramus, New Jersey. The company will be re-branded as a Nielsen Media Research service and will report to Terrie Brennan.
