Nielsen Delays Rollout of Meter Amid Opposition

Nielsen Media Research, whose ratings help determine prices for $60 billion in U.S. television advertising each year, delayed a rollout of devices that were designed to better track viewing habits.

Introduction of the local people meters was halted until June 30 after TV stations raised concerns about the system's accuracy, Nielsen said. Nielsen had planned to roll out the meters today in Washington and Philadelphia.

Media companies said no new meters should be introduced in the U.S. until the devices' results were accredited by the Media Rating Council, an industry group formed to ensure ratings are accurate.