MAM
Nielsen’s revised ratings system for NY gets thumbs down
MUMBAI: The efforts undertaken by Nielsen Media Research to change the way it measures television ratings in New York City have been dealt a setback by a leading industry association – the Media Rating Council (MRC) – that audits ratings services.
According to a media report, MRC declined to accredit the new system, using what are known as local people meters, until Nielsen addresses unspecified “noncompliance and performance issues” that turned up in an audit by Ernst and Young.
One media report however said that the decision by the council would not affect Nielsen’s plans to proceed with the change, which the company said would provide local stations more accurate ratings figures. The numbers are used to help set advertising rates and determine programming lineups.
Nielsen had postponed the change, to measure viewership with electronic meters rather than the current combination of meters and paper diaries, from 8 April after critics complained it would result in undercounting of black and Hispanic viewers.
The ratings service has used the electronic boxes since 1987 to gauge daily viewing patterns on a national basis according to age, gender and ethnicity. But Nielsen only recently decided to apply the system to local ratings, starting with Boston in 2002, said another media report.
The MRC panel represents nearly 50 broadcasters, cable organisations, advertising agencies, and trade groups that are Nielsen clients.
Its refusal to recommend accreditation to the MRC board of directors marked a victory for media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. Ltd. and a coalition of civil rights activists and politicians who are seeking to block the roll-out of people meters in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, according to one media report.
Critics opined in some media reports that the local “people meters” undercount minority audiences compared with the old system of measuring local viewer habits through pen-and-paper diaries recorded four times a year for the “sweeps” and have urged Nielsen to delay expansion of the system until an independent review can verify its accuracy.
However, Nielsen insists the new system is sound and that News Corp. is encouraging minority opposition because its Fox television stations in cities like New York and Los Angeles stand to lose local ratings through the more accurate people meters.
Brands
Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
