Networks seek changes to revenue reporting

If you thought there was a debate about the way networks report ratings results, it’s nothing compared to the soul-searching that is going on with revenue reporting to advertisers and media buyers.

The three commercial networks, Seven, Nine and TEN, may alter the way they report advertising revenue to the industry -although Seven is being dragged to the switch kicking and screaming.

TEN and Nine networks are reportedly seeking major changes to the audited figures released through industry group Free TV Australia every six months. If the move goes ahead it could release one figure to advertisers instead of the traditional breakdown for each network.

In the period to December 31st 2008, Seven had 41.38% of the $1.5bn metropolitan market, Nine had 30.87% and TEN’s share fell more than three points to 27.74%.

But a TEN source told The Australian the network could see “no compelling reason” the TV networks should continue to release the revenue breakdown. Another said the changes could go further and may result in the end of separate regional and metropolitan figures being reported.

Seven is believed to prefer to continue to break down network share but is said to have agreed to the changes for fear that TEN and Nine will pull out all together.

“Seven doesn’t have to agree with it, but TEN said they wouldn’t supply the numbers,” one source said.

Source: The Australian