BARB Releases First New System Overnights

The first data from the new BARB audience measurement system will become available today, having been delayed by technical issues for over a week (see BARB Data Suspended Until 15 January). Today overnight figures for the period 1-7 January will be released, while the remaining data produced during the delay will appear between now and 22 January.

BARB has admitted that the reporting sample for this initial data will be around 3,800, less than the anticipated level of 4,300, but insists that it is “Still robust, well balanced and 3% more effective than the old panel.” Full installation is expected to be achieved by March.

The introduction of a new panel has produced some discrepancies, as expected. Viewing levels are down 5%, but within that, viewing estimates are said to be “broadly similar” to the old panel.

A schedule for the release of overnight and consolidated data is available on the BARB website (see below).

BARB: 020 7529 5531 www.barb.co.uk

Subscribers can access the Television database by selecting “Television” from the drop-down box at the top of this page.