Singapore ratings data war ends

SINGAPORE - After nearly a year, the standoff between TNS and 4As over data fees has finally ended with media agencies agreeing to pay for TNS' TV ratings data.

The heated debate began in March this year, when the 4As media committee refused to pay for TNS' services, which had been provided free since 2000.

MediaCorp, Singapore's only terrestrial broadcaster, which also carries the popular Singapore Idol reality programme, intervened to mediate the dispute.

"We are happy to have received endorsement from the 4As on the new fee proposal to the agencies. Moving forward, we hope to work even closer with the agencies in exploring opportunities and providing what's best for our advertisers", said Edwin Koh, SVP/head of airtime sales and marketing, MediaCorp TV.