About TAM Ireland

Viewing to television in Ireland has been measured on a continuous basis from the arrival of television on the island: Research began on UTV in Northern Ireland from 1959 and separate TV research followed in the Republic when RTE started television broadcasts in 1962. Much later new channels were added as they arrived on our screens- TV3 and TG4. Channel 4 and UTV were also measured from this time. Sky, E4 and the other opt out channels followed from 2000.

Several commercial channels have entered into the market since then and today twenty three channels available to the Irish advertising market are measured.

Historically the contract for measuring TV viewing was held by broadcasters - initially RTE and then jointly with TV3 and TG4 when they came into existence. Advertising agencies were involved in the day to day issues but it was only with the creation of TAM Ireland in 2007 that a formal structure of ownership and responsibility was established. The contract is now underwritten by all member broadcasters and agencies. 

Viewing in the Republic of Ireland has been measured since 1996 by Nielsen TV Audience Measurement. In October 2008, following an extensive tendering process which attracted submissions from all of the world leaders in TV research, Nielsen TV Audience Measurement was awarded a new contract commencing on September 1st 2010.

Since the awarding of the contract, TAM Ireland, through its Board and Technical Committee (TComm) have been in continuous negotiation with Nielsen to ensure the delivery of a world class measurement service to the Irish market. The brief to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement highlights the need to be capable of meeting all current and future requirements and thereby ensure that we maintain the long tradition of high quality television research in Ireland.