The JNLR committee in 2015 has focused mainly on the day to day issues affecting the construction and reporting of the survey.  While larger more progressive issues have been examined, such as digital measurement, using ‘peoplemeters’ or smart phone apps, there is currently no appetite, to fundamentally change way radio is measured.

Over the past 6 months, there have been changes made to the SIG (Special Interest Group) part of the JNLR questionnaire and to the reporting of the JNLR data come publication day.

Firstly, the SIG questionnaire was amended in July 2015. New questions were added to help create a picture of cross media consumption in Ireland. The SIG questionnaire collects greater level of detail about the types of music being listened to – respondents are asked how frequently they listen to personal music, audio streaming services and podcasts. The survey now also includes questions relating to on demand video content, live vs. recorded TV viewing and establishes the frequency with which respondents engage with and share content through social media.

With the launch of both the Irish Radio Player and Apple Music’s Apple Beats 1 in 2015, the JNLR survey also aims to establish how often these types of services are being consumed among the Irish population aged 15+.

Reporting

The latter part of 2015 also saw a change to the JNLR reporting structure. The JNLR App was suspended, pending an ongoing review by the JNLR Management Committee from April. This provided an opportunity to review the way in which the JNLR data was being used amongst the radio community. It was decided that an Executive Summary report was to be made available to the User Group. This report contains Reach and Share data for all stations for key audiences similar to the Press Release but available at the earlier time of 12.45pm. In order to be of greater use, the JNLR Infographic, also produced by Ipsos MRBI, was also made available at 12.45pm rather than at 5pm.

Moving forward to 2016, in addition to the changes outlined above, the publication time of the JNLR report will change to 11am on Wednesday, instead of 12.45pm on Thursday (These publication dates can be found on the JNLR website). As usual, the press embargo remains in place until 5pm.

It is felt that the way the JNLR currently operates, as a club of members rather than a legally incorporate body puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to sanctioning members for offences such as breaches or late payment.  Furthermore for signing up to initiatives such as cross media are hampered by a club structure.  The committee is investigating becoming an incorporated company.

The Committee has accepted an offer by Ipsos/MRBI to roll over the contract for 2016 on the existing terms. If the contract goes to tender, this will be the best option to look at digital measurement as an option.

Michael Clancy is Managing Director of Mediavest and the IAPI representative on the JNLR committee.