TV ratings delay update: Audience data could be restored next Wednesday

The media industry is without television ratings from OzTAM and RegTAM for a third consecutive day.

OzTAM revealed to clients this morning that there would be no data available Friday after similar disruptions on Wednesday and Thursday.

The chief executive of OzTAM, Doug Peiffer, told Mediaweek this morning:

“This is tough for everyone and we appreciate our clients’ patience while Nielsen works through a very difficult situation. We’re in constant dialogue with Nielsen and appreciate their confirmation that all panel households are still collecting viewing data and that referencing sites have not been impacted. We hope that this will be resolved soon and we thank our clients for their understanding.”

Nielsen has updated the market this morning with this additional statement:

“As you are aware, Nielsen has experienced an unexpected disruption relating to the Australian TV Audience Measurement (TAM) data centre environment. This disruption is derived from a ransomware attack in which Nielsen was the victim.

“As a result of Nielsen’s investigation to date, we have today advised our clients that we are aiming to have TV Ratings data available by Wednesday, 29 July. However, the team at Nielsen are working incredibly hard to get data available and released before this date and will keep clients informed of any revised timelines.

“In terms of the recovery plan, Nielsen’s top priorities are to ensure that the environment is safe and to restore and release the overnight ratings. This will be followed closely by releasing data for missing days.

“We appreciate the industry’s understanding during this unprecedented situation. We will remain as transparent as we can with new information as it becomes available.”

Major programming impacted by the delay includes the final two episodes of Big Brother Australia (Seven), NRL (Nine and Fox League) and AFL (Seven and Fox Footy).

Program launches over the next few days also impacted includes Australian Ninja Warrior (Nine), Farmer Wants a Wife (Seven) and Between Two Worlds (Seven).