Freesat launches live audience measurement service

The service runs on an audience attribution platform developed by TVbeat, and shows viewer behaviour across channels and programmes. 

Anonymised data is captured from over 10,000 connected Freesat set-top boxes (whose users have opted in to share their data). 

As well as real-time linear TV viewing data, the service provides behavioural information related to time-shifted and on-demand viewing and can be segmented by users’ location, viewing duration and resolution. 

“We’re delighted to have worked with TVbeat to develop and test a really innovative service, which breaks new ground for audience measurement in the UK," said Alistair Thom, managing director of Freesat.

"The insights provided by a combination of real-time data, scale and granularity will, we believe, have a significant and positive effect on the broadcast industry. More importantly, it will benefit viewers, as it enables broadcasters to respond quickly and precisely to their preferences.

"Ultimately this real-time, granular measurement system will help to maintain a robust free-to-air TV market in the UK. We look forward to working with TVbeat, broadcasters and others to harness the extraordinary potential of the data.”