Social Media Analysis Service Launched by BIA/Kelsey

In the US, media advisor BIA/Kelsey has launched a new service dedicated to analyzing the growing social media 'ecosystem', and recommending the best opportunities for driving revenues with social platforms.

Since its launch in 1983, BIA/Kelsey has offered a range of consulting and valuation services, research, continuous advisory services and conferences to clients in the local media space.

Its new 'Social Local Media' (SLM) service has been created to address the developing social segment, which the firm estimates will become a $23 billion digital advertising market this year.

SLM will spotlight buyers, sellers, platform developers, vendors, practitioners and thought leaders engaged in the use of social media tools and techniques.

This, it says, will help clients identify the best way to implement social strategies across media, marketing and advertising channels.

The new practice will be led by Program Director Jed Williams, who joined BIA/Kelsey in 2010 as an industry analyst with more than 10 years' experience on both the business and content sides of media.

Through a partnership with BIA/Kelsey, social and local SEO expert Andrew Shotland of LocalSEOGuide.com will work with Williams as Associate Program Director.

'The use of social platforms brings questions and concerns about where companies should allocate their efforts and budgets,' states Neal Polachek (pictured), President, BIA/Kelsey. 'By concentrating on social local media, we are using our resources to help our clients make sense of where this new ecosystem is headed and how they can participate effectively, both strategically and from a revenue perspective.'

Separately, it was announced yesterday that BIA/Kelsey has been selected by the Council for Research Excellence (CRE) to conduct a review of research currently available about user experience on multiple video platforms.

Web site: www.biakelsey.com .