MAM
US Hispanic broadcaster files suit against Nielsen
MUMBAI: TV research and ratings giant Nielsen Media Research has suffered a setback in its efforts to introduce its new system, Local People Meter (LPM).
US Hispanic broadcaster Univision Communications has filed a lawsuit against the research firm to block implementation of the service in Los Angeles.
Hispanic groups have been vigorously opposing Nielsen’s move to replace the traditional research system with the new LPM by alleging that it shows discrimination against minorities. Nielsen’s launch of the LPMs was scheduled for 8 July. Univision Communications’ suit is also along the same lines, which says, “LPMs amount to unfair, unlawful and deceptive business practices.”
The suit also alleges that Nielsen has used false and misleading advertising with respect to its LPM data. Univision claims that Nielsen’s “flawed” data “falsely disparages Univision and its business by under-reporting its actual viewing ratings.”
Univision claims that Nielsen’s new system discounts young Hispanic Americans and large Hispanic families and also that it overstates Hispanic American households that speak mostly or only English. “As a result, the LPM ratings will materially understate viewing of Spanish-language stations like Univision, and exaggerate viewing of English-language stations, causing irreparable damage to Univision,” the company said in a statement.
Nielsen introduced the LPMs in Boston in 2002 and now plans to expand the system to Los Angeles in July. According to the company, it has commissioned a leading Hispanic research group to review a recent study by the National Latino Media Council that found serious flaws in people meters.
MAM
Dish TV shareholders approve three independent directors
99.49 per cent vote of confidence strengthens board as company expands into connected TV, e-commerce and OTT.
MUMBAI: Dish TV has just been served a near-perfect vote of confidence and the shareholders have dished it out in style. Shareholders of the DTH operator have approved the appointment of three new Independent Directors with an overwhelming 99.49 per cent approval. The three appointees are Mr Arun Kumar Kapoor, Ms Heena Naishadh Bhatt and Mr Ashok Anant Paranjpe.
The strong mandate reflects continued investor faith in the company’s strategy, disciplined execution and long-term value creation. It comes as Dish TV focuses on stabilising its core DTH business while actively scaling new verticals connected TV platform VZY, B2B e-commerce ShopZop, and OTT service Watcho to build a more diversified and resilient growth trajectory.
Dish TV India Limited, CEO & executive director Manoj Dhobhal said, “We are encouraged by the shareholders’ approval of the appointment of the Independent Directors and sincerely thank them for their continued trust and confidence. The Board is already benefiting from the Directors’ collective experience, which will further sharpen strategic focus and support disciplined execution.”
With a fresh, strengthened board in place, Dish TV is well positioned to navigate the evolving media landscape. In a sector where every percentage point matters, a 99.49 per cent thumbs-up is the kind of ringing endorsement that suggests the company’s recipe for the future is already tasting right.
