AdWeek: Jackson Endorses Nielsen's LPM

In a sign that Nielsen's monopoly of TV viewing statistics might have gotten - heaven forefend - political, Reverend Jesse Jackson endorsed the new launch of the ratings firm's new local people meters. As measurement gets refined in the traditional broadcast, some existing players will prove to be losers in the

realignment caused by more accurate statistics. Univision, Tribune and the National Association of Broadcasters have asked that the launches be delayed. Some even played a race card by ginning up (sometimes false) fears that the new system would lessen the perceived viewing of minority groups. Jackson's endorsement was couched in reasoning that he has been assured the new technology will augment perceived black audiences.

Advertisers, who presumably will benefit most from the shift, have been largely silent on the matter, as they appear not to care as much about measurement accuracy.