Hallmark Signs with ACNielsen Media International in Asia Pacific

ACNielsen Media International has signed a three-year regional contract with Crown Media International, Inc., which operates the Hallmark Channel outside of the United States, to deliver television ratings in Australia, India, Singapore and Taiwan, effective immediately.

This is the first regional TV ratings contract Hallmark Channel has signed with ACNielsen Media International in Asia. Previously, Hallmark purchased TV ratings information from the company on a limited basis in Taiwan, Australia and Singapore.

Hallmark Channel offers quality movies, mini-series, series and children's programming across Asia. The channel has grown its audience numbers by more than 50% over the past year to 18 million homes. Throughout the region from India to Japan, and from China to Australia - viewers are able to watch the service on seven different feeds and branded blocks.

Barry Frey, managing director, Advertising Sales, Crown Media International, Inc., who oversees Hallmark Channel ad sales across the globe, said 'Our strong distribution and enhanced program schedules in Asia Pacific, coupled with our significant viewership and ad sales growth over the last two years, have led us to make this decision. It is important that we have accurate and timely data about ratings for the benefit of our advertisers.' Gregory Ang, vice president Ad Sales Asia added 'This agreement with ACNielsen provides the insight and information needed by clients who would like to target their products at the market segments that Hallmark Channel caters to.'

The Hallmark agreement is the latest in a recent string of new client signings by ACNielsen Media International for its regional TV ratings service. Others include major broadcasters MTV, CNBC and Discovery.

ACNielsen Media International's television audience measurement service has over 18,000 people meter homes in 12 Asia Pacific markets: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

All articles 2006-22 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.