Mediapulse modernizes the overall system of Swiss TV research
Mediapulse has successfully implemented a major technological change in TV measurement—all while operations continued as usual. This move was in line with the strategic goal of fundamentally modernizing the measurement system and bringing it up to the latest technological standards.
The switch was also necessary due to the imminent shutdown of the 3G mobile network in Switzerland at the beginning of 2026.
The Board of Directors of Mediapulse has decided to replace the previous measurement devices (PM 5000) in the TV panel households with the latest generation of devices from Kantar Media (PM 7). The management of Mediapulse implemented this decision and commissioned Kantar Media Switzerland with the operational work in the field. The new device communicates via the modern 4G network and thus ensures the continuation of measurement even after the 3G network has been switched off.
Mediapulse AG made a conscious decision to replace the measurement system during operation in order to minimize costs and ensure the continuous collection of TV usage data.
The investment was made possible by federal funding.
Technical requirements successfully implemented
In the run-up to the device replacement, two key technical foundations were created: a new referencing procedure for TV broadcasters and a more powerful data processing platform.
These formed the basis for the successful launch of the People Meter 7 (PM7), which started in May 2024 and was completed in September 2025 - well before the 3G network was switched off.
Extensive pre-testing was carried out together with Kantar to ensure data continuity and quality. Market participants were informed about the project at an early stage and kept continuously up to date on its progress and the effects on usage data.
Innovations through the use of PM 7
With the new PM 7, Mediapulse not only relies on modern infrastructure, but also on a series of technical and methodological developments:
- Higher measurement granularity: The PM 7 also reliably detects very short usage episodes, which means that zapping behavior in particular is mapped more precisely.
- Modern registration procedure: The use of tablets makes it easier for panel participants to use and increases their willingness to actively participate.
- Optimized differentiation from non-TV content: The system can better recognize content outside the classic TV offering and selectively remove it from the currency.
- Advanced device detection: The new technology can detect any use of TV content on the TV set, regardless of which peripheral device is used.
