USA: TV ratings planned for iPod, cell phone and Internet

The US market research institute Nielsen Media Research is planning to include distribution channels such as the internet and mobile devices as well as bars, hotels and airports in its TV ratings in future. To date, the company has determined TV ratings via viewer surveys and a limited number of set meters. According to Heise.de, Nielsen has been pressured by the US television stations to modernize its measurement system. According to the company, measurements for iPods and other mobile devices are to be carried out as early as the end of 2006. Next year, it will be possible to measure broadcasts via the Internet and, from the end of 2008, viewers in bars, offices, hotels and airports.