On Sunday, May 31, Nielsen CEO David Calhoun appeared on “The Wall Street Journal Report” with Maria Bartiromo to discuss everything from television and media measurement, to how food, fuel, and fear are impacting consumers trends around the world.

Anticipation surrounds this year’s E3, one of the largest video game expos, which kicks off this week in Los Angeles. Not only have Sony and Microsoft hinted at major hardware-related announcements, but also details related to upcoming software releases are expected to emerge. Video game enthusiasts started heavily discussing their expectations for E3 several months ago online. This traditionally vocal group of consumers is especially engaged in this year’s E3 – buzz for the month prior to the 2009 expo is up 31% over the comparable time period for E3 …

With economic uncertainty, a declining real estate market and a depreciating currency, South Korea felt the full impact of the global recession in 2008.  Ad spending fell 8 percent versus 2007 – the largest drop of the 12 countries Nielsen analyzed in Asia – with a drop of 19 percent in the fourth quarter.  All outlets – TV, newspapers, magazines and radio – saw declines in spending.
Ad spending in the largest category – financing, insurance & securities – not surprisingly dropped 13 percent in 2008, while construction & real estate …