NIELSEN TO INCLUDE MOBILE VIEWERS IN RATINGS

Undercutting to a degree one of the networks’ principal complaints about the Aereo service — that viewers of their programs on mobile devices are not counted in the Nielsen ratings — Nielsen confirmed on Monday that it will begin including audiences using all forms of digital devices into its regular ratings reports beginning with the 2014-15 season. In a statement, Megan Clarken, head of global audience measurement for Nielsen, said that the company is “excited to be able to deliver a single client solution that supports both the linear (TV style) and dynamic (Internet style) ad models.” The statement noted that, to be included in the traditional Nielsen ratings, the show must essentially be a copy of what is broadcast, including the same commercials and timeline. “If that content is not eligible for TV ratings,” the statement added, “then the viewing of it will be included in Nielsen Digital Ratings.” Nielsen explained that the software being employed will be able to determine whether the program is eligible for its regular TV ratings by analyzing audio watermarks or other digital tags connected with the programs and advertising.