The joy of research
Research Nielsen Netratings is causing unrest in online research following the agreement between SRG and Wemf.
that the New Internet Research Switzerland (NIS) is being delayed because the
costs are not in balance (see p. 15). But that is all. Even a
Dispute between SRG and Nielsen Netratings, the operator of the
previous Internet panels of MMXI Switzerland, hinders the cause.
The background: Nielsen had co-bid for NIS, but dropped out under
for technical reasons, among others. At the time, SRG believed that it
could still take over the MMXI panel and convert it for the NIS.
After all, SRG was the main initiator and main sponsor of the
panels. The contract with Nielsen was terminated at the end of 2005 and the
Money tap turned off.
Nielsen is now considering continuing the panel on its own. "Currently
We are evaluating whether we should continue to conduct Internet research in Switzerland.
want to operate," confirms Stefan Raum, Managing Director of MMXI
Switzerland and by Nielsen Netratings Germany. Technically speaking
the panel, but Raum is now working on finding enough customers.
find. He has already been able to conclude several contracts. And since clearly
he says, is that the NIS is being delayed, the number of inquiries is increasing.
This presents the NIS partners with a new situation. A data reference at the
MMXI panel is out of the question because the panel is not technically compatible with the
NetAudit of the Wemf. However, this is essential for the NIS.
"We therefore had to look for alternatives," says Markus Jufer, at
responsible for Internet research at SRG. The solution found:
SRG should set up a panel for the NIS itself. "The mandate is
not yet been granted," says Jufer. But the plans are far
has progressed: Throughout Switzerland, 3000 people in 1400 households
participate. Recruitment of panelists will begin in March,
the panel could provide the first monthly data in mid-2006.
It is therefore possible that two Internet panels will soon be competing with each other again
- as in 2001 and 2002, but whether both can be financed remains to be seen.
just as questionable as it was back then.
Markus Knöpfli
