ACNielsen bags ratings deal for Beijing stations

<p>BEIJING: BTV - the organisation that was formed following the </p><p>mid-year merger of Beijing Television and Beijing Cable TV which </p><p>together operate more than 10 channels - has appointed ACNielsen Media </p><p>International to supply ratings data for some 60 channels which air </p><p>across the Chinese capital. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The deal calls for regular audience monitoring of the BTV channels as </p><p>well as almost 50 channels of national broadcaster China Central TV and </p><p>satellite operators. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Prior to the merger of the two stations, ACNielsen provided ratings data </p><p>to Beijing Cable, while Beijing Television used CVSC Sofres Media. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>However, CSM managing director Tony Wang, said that the ACNielsen deal </p><p>would not exclude CSM from any assignment with BTV. "We have a contract </p><p>with Beijing Television and this is still valid now and we are in talks </p><p>to continue with the contract." Wang said it was not unusual for </p><p>television operators in China to use more than one ratings services. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>ACNielsen Greater China executive director, Philip Rich, said: "Our TV </p><p>ratings will provide BTV with analysis and insights to assist them in </p><p>enhancing its product offering and increasing viewership in a </p><p>highly-competitive market." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Rich added: "The merger (of the TV sector) is still working its way </p><p>through the two stations, but we are working hard to maintain a strong </p><p>relationship with the new entity." </p><p><BR><BR> </p>