OzTAM Seeks Independent Chairman after Complaint

In Australia, TV ratings body OzTAM has agreed to appoint an independent chairman, following a complaint last year from broadcaster Network Ten about the way ratings were being measured for one of its digital sports channels.

Last month, the the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) was called in to investigate Network Ten's complaints that ratings for its channel ONE were not being reported separately.

ACCC found OzTAM's three Board's directors were in a position to block this type of request, which the commission sees as potentially anti-competitive.

As a result, OzTAM - and its three shareholders Seven Network, Nine Network, and Network Ten - have agreed with ACCC to add an independent chairman to the Board.

In a statement, ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel said that under the present arrangements, an OzTAM nominee director representing the interests of a particular shareholder could affect the reporting and marketing of new digital channels by other free-to-air broadcasters, by refusing consent to the separate reporting of ratings data for those new channels.

'According to the undertaking, OzTAM, Seven, Nine and Ten will implement a number of steps to address the ACCC's concerns,' Samuel explained. 'These include the appointment of an independent director and chair to the OzTAM board with casting vote powers on certain matters.'

OzTAM has also agreed to ensure that competitive information is not shared between its directors.

Current OzTAM Chairman Steve Weaver said the undertaking with the ACCC will strengthen the body's corporate governance, enhance shareholder and client confidentiality, and gave the management 'additional authority and flexibility to service client needs'.

Web site: www.oztam.com.au .