New TV Meter Blamed for Loss
Published: January 19, 1988
The new ''people meter'' system of measuring television audiences has cost the three major networks $40 million to $50 million in lost advertising revenues because of system errors, according to CBS executives.
The A. C. Nielsen Company has consistently defended the accuracy of the meter, now considered the standard of the television industry.
In the first three months of their use, the meters have shown prime-time viewing of the three networks to be down about 10 percent, with big losses of viewers for such major programs as ''Dallas'' and ''The Cosby Show.'' Article, page C18.