Send to KindleLittle bit of a stoush over in Oz, with News Limited chairman and chief executive John Hartigan accusing Roy Morgan Research of setting out to destroy an attempt by newspaper publishers to find an alternative readership measurement system.
In an interview quoted in The Australian (a News Limited publication) Mr Hartigan blasted the Roy Morgan Research company and its chairman, Gary Morgan, as “arrogant” and “intransigent” as the long-simmering argument over how best to measure print media readership erupted into open hostility.
Seems that News, Fairfax, West Australian Newspapers and APN News & Media had put readership research up for tender in June through industry body The Newspaper Works. Last week, however, Fairfax Media withdrew from the tender process and instead threw its support behind Roy Morgan. Industry body Magazine Publishers of Australia, led by Seven Media Group’s Pacific Magazines, also withdrew. Angry words followed.
As things currently stand, Fairfax and the Australian MPA will remain with Roy Morgan; meanwhile the tender process continues, with GfK:Mediamark Research & Intelligence, Ipsos MediaCT and TNS Australia on the project shortlist. At stake: survey revenues of perhaps A$7 million per year.
This tale isn’t over yet – not by a long shot.
