Title

The Peoplemeter Wars: A Case Study of Technological Innovation and Diffusion in the Ratings Industry

Abstract

This article examines a 15-year period in TV ratings history, 1984-1999, and a key ratings battle that ensued against the giant Nielsen by four competitors: Audits of Great Britain, R. D. Percy, Arbitron, and System for Measuring and Reporting Television. The result of these contests led to significant product differentiation, including a new method, called the Peoplemeter, the new A/P meter technology for an era of digital television, and research into a more truly passive methodology as well as to changes in sampling size.

Department(s)

Media, Journalism, and Film

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327736ME1504_4

Publication Date

1-1-2002

Journal Title

Journal of Media Economics

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