Nielsen To Increase Sample Size In 48 PPM Markets

Today, Nielsen announced an increase in the panel in 48 Portable People Meter (PPM) markets as part of its ongoing efforts to advance audio measurement. Nielsen will boost the effective sample size of the panel by 10% across all markets and demographics starting mid-2017.

Nielsen’s enhanced PPM panel will have more than 80,000 installed meters. This means that on an average day over 65,000 panelists will contribute to the ratings. The increase represents more than 6,000 additional panelists on a daily basis across the aggregate of PPM markets. The sample increase will be distributed proportionally across all demographics.

“An increase in the PPM sample size is the number one priority for our clients,” said Brad Kelly, Managing Director for Nielsen Audio. “With this investment, Nielsen is doubling down on its commitment to the radio industry and addressing the needs of our clients. We are thrilled to rollout this enhancement that will continue to build a stronger radio advertising marketplace.”

With the recently announced acquisition of Gracenote, Nielsen will be exploring ways to leverage Gracenote’s vast footprint in over 70 million Car Infotainment systems as well as their expertise as the industry standard for automatic content recognition (ACR) to help expand our measurement of in-car audio and in-car digital listening.

“Larger sample sizes are important due to the continuing fragmentation of audiences and the need for more granular analysis of the data. This expansion will be an important step forward in the accuracy and quality of our audio estimates,” said Megan Clarken, President for Nielsen Product Leadership. “Increasing the size of our PPM panel will allow our clients to continue to share their story with confidence and in a way that resonates with advertisers.”