Israel Audience Research Board Expands TV Rating Panel to 800 Households
Israel's Audience Research Board has unanimously voted to expand its television rating measurement panel from 700 to 800 households, enhancing the statistical representation of national viewing habits.
The Israeli Audience Research Board has announced a significant expansion of its rating measurement panel, increasing the sample size from 700 to 800 households. Approved unanimously by the board plenum, this change marks another milestone for the organization established in 1998, which originally relied on just 385 homes to determine national viewing habits.
The board, managed locally by Kantar Media under its new Fifty5Blue branding, uses specialized metering equipment connected to televisions, computers, and mobile devices. Panelists use dedicated remote controls to log individual viewing habits, creating a massive database that shapes advertising budgets, channel prestige, and the commercial viability of television programs across the country.
Over the years, the methodology has faced scrutiny and debate from various industry players, including digital platforms and political figures like Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, who have questioned traditional linear measurement models. Despite past controversies—such as panelist breaches and disputes over digital streaming metrics—the inclusion of major networks and emerging channels ensures a unified, standardized rating system comparable to similar models across Western nations.
