Based on its new definition of a TV home — one that can include a broadband connection — Nielsen says the number of TV homes is up versus the year before to 115.6 million homes.
Nielsen says its TV household Universe Estimate (UE) grew 1.2% over its estimate for the 2012-2013 season, which was at 114.2 million. In addition, Nielsen says the total number of TV viewers is 1.6% higher to 294 million individuals ages 2 and older.
“Though we see slight shifts reflecting trends in population changes, the Advance UEs are largely stable and television viewing remains very strong,” says Pat McDonough, senior vice president of insights and analysis at Nielsen.
McDonough adds: “The expansion of the definition of a TV household, which we announced in February 2013, will include viewing from additional sites in current homes and new homes for the September TV season.”
Nielsen’s new definition of a TV household states that homes must have at least one operable TV/monitor with the ability to deliver video via traditional means of antennae, cable set-top-box or satellite receiver and/or with a broadband connection.
Nielsen typically offers up its TV home estimate in early May before the television industry’s upfront presentations that showcase the upcoming 2013-2014 broadcast season, which starts in September.
Source: MediaPost, 5/7/13
