OzTAM delays ratings for video plays

It was due to launch this year but OzTAM ratings data for video measurement player (VPM) has been pushed out to 2016.

The Australian reports it is now likely to launch in February, in time for the next ratings survey.

The delay is partly due to new Nine Entertainment Co chief executive Hugh Marks’ desire to get across the system before its launch.

Launching over summer would have also given everyone time to iron out any wrinkles and glean some understanding of the data. It’s taken some time to arrive at an equitable system with networks all using different playouts, on top of the many different devices in the market.

Back in 2014, OzTAM CEO Doug Peiffer told TV Tonight, “It’s trickier than measuring the TV that hangs on your wall. It’s taking a bit more effort to find a technical solution to get there.”

Hopefully the results are worth the wait.

The Nielsen panel currently includes 3500 households (covering 8000 people) in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth across all television households and nationally for all subscription television households.