The Audience Measurement Management Committee of BARB has agreed to release daily overnight quarter-hour data for Astra channels with immediate effect.
It has also approved the inclusion of Astra data on all Database 1 (raw data) tapes.
This data is being released to assist BARB, Astra subscribers, BARB’s Research Contractors and the advertis- ing industry to obtain a better understanding of the data from the new panel.
It is also being released in order toreconcile the new data with the previous BARB/RSMB Astra panel.
The Committee has stressed its concern with the accuracy of the satellite data from the new panel and the levels of viewing reported.
It has emphasised that the data being released should not be used by the advertising industry as a commercial trading currency and that commercial activity should await acceptable data from the new panel.
No Database 2 (calculated audience data) will be released by BARB untilfurther notice. There will also be no detailed press releases on Astra for the time being.
