Italian TV Ratings Suspended after Panellist ID Error

Italian TV audience measurement body Auditel has suspended publication of viewing figures after the identities of families on its panel were accidentally disclosed, reportedly as a result of human error in a mail sent by supplier company Nielsen.

According to Italian press reports, Auditel's Board of Directors announced a two-week suspension of the publication of viewing figures, following revelations by newspaper the Corriere della Sera. Nielsen has apparently said it will replace the panel at its own expense and take steps to expand it to 15,600 families from the current 5,600.

Auditel says the incident threatens the impartiality of the figures, and its Technical Committee needs to assess the damage and the best steps to remedy it - but at least one commercial broadcaster has already urged the organisation to recommence ratings within a maximum of fifteen days, and not leave the market without information.

Web site - in Italian: www.auditel.it .