The Saarf board decided last year that an international audit of the TAMS panel was necessary to review the methodology, identify any possible shortcomings in the panel as well as areas of improvement, and guide the planned multimillion Rand expansion of the panel. The final report was presented to the Saarf board on 15 April 2013. The report identified real and concerning shortcomings in the sampling, weighting and management of the TAMS panel that have lead to low efficiencies.
The Saarf board has already, at the request of the National Association of Broadcasters, met with the TV broadcasters. The Saarf board undertook to address these shortcomings as speedily as possible and to take all corrective steps necessary to restore the integrity of the TAMS currency.
The SAARF Board is in the process of engaging with the Audit Task Team on its recommendations and proposed action plan. The audit report and action plan will be released to the wider industry for further consultation on 17 May 2013.
The Saarf board says it is taking all steps necessary “to resolve this matter as speedily as possible. The matter is, however, extremely complex and the Board is at pains to avoid a future repeat of these unfortunate developments”.
It says it will keep all constituencies informed of progress with this important task and news releases will be issued from time to time to ensure that everyone stays informed
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