Nielsen Wire » advertisers http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire Consumer Insights, News, Research & Reports Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:36:28 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Tops In 2008: Best Selling Books, Audio Books http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-best-selling-books-audio-books/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-best-selling-books-audio-books/#comments Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:18:32 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5898 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

William P. Young’s ”The Shack” was the top-selling fiction book through November 30.

Among non-fiction books, “A New Earth,” by Eckhart Tolle was the top-seller.

The audio version of Tolle’s “A New Earth” was the top-selling audio book of the year.

Top 10 Book Sales: Adult Fiction

Rank Book Title Author Format Publisher Publication
Date
1 The Shack William P. Young Trade Paperback Hachette Book Group 7/1/08
2 The Appeal John Grisham Hardcover Random House 1/1/08
3 The Host Stephenie Meyer Hardcover Hachette Book Group 5/1/08
4 The Friday Night Knitting Club Kate Jacobs Trade Paperback Penguin Books 1/1/08
5 Water For Elephants Sara Gruen Trade Paperback Workman Publishing 5/1/07
6 The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini Trade Paperback Penguin Books 1/1/03
7 The Lucky One Nicholas Sparks Hardcover Hachette Book Group 9/1/08
8 The Story Of Edward Sawtelle David Wroblewski Hardcover Harper Collins 9/1/08
9 Playing For Pizza John Grisham Hardcover Random House 7/1/08
10 Fearless Fourteen Janet Evanovich Hardcover McMillan 6/1/08
Source: The Nielsen Company (December 31, 2007 – December 28, 2008).
Note: Data does not include sales from Wal-Mart, Sam’s, BJ’s, airports, and libraries. Traditionally, book sales see increases during the holidays.


Top 10 Book Sales: Adult Non-Fiction

Rank Book Title Author Format Publisher Publication
Date
1 A New Earth Eckhart Tolle Trade Paperback Penguin Books 2/1/08
2 The Last Lecture Randy Pausch Hardcover Hyperion 4/1/08
3 Eat Pray Love Elizabeth Gilbert Trade Paperback Penguin Books 2/1/07
4 Three Cups of Tea Greg Mortenson Trade Paperback Penguin Books 2/1/07
5 The Secret Rhonda Byrne Hardcover Simon & Schuster 11/1/06
6 Eat This Not That! David Zinczenko Trade Paperback MacMillan 1/1/08
7 The Audacity of Hope Barack Obama Trade Paperback Random House 11/1/07
8 Skinny Bitch Kim Barnouin Trade Paperback Pereus Books 1/1/06
9 Dreams from My Father Barack Obama Trade Paperback Random House 8/1/04
10 The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle Trade Paperback PGW TR 8/1/04
Source: The Nielsen Company (December 31, 2007 – November 30, 2008).
Note: Data does not include sales from Wal-Mart, Sam’s, BJ’s, airports, and libraries. Traditionally, book sales see increases during the holidays.


Top 10 Audio Book Sales: Adult and Juvenile

Rank Book Title Author Publisher Publication
Date
1 A New Earth Eckhart Tolle Penguin Books 2/1/08
2 The Secret Rhonda Byrne Simon & Schuster 11/1/06
3 The Last Lecture Randy Pausch Hyperion 4/1/08
4 Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving … Joel Osteen Simon & Schuster 10/1/07
5 The Audacity of Hope Barack Obama Random House 11/1/07
6 The Appeal (unabridged) John Grisham Random House 1/1/08
7 When You Are Engulfed in Flames David Sedaris Hachette Book Group 6/1/08
8 Twilight Stephenie Meyer Random House 10/1/05
9 The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle PGW TR 10/1/01
10 The Shack William P. Young Oasis 6/1/08
Source: The Nielsen Company (December 31, 2007 – November 30, 2008).
Note: Data does not include sales from Wal-Mart, Sam’s, BJ’s, airports, and libraries. Traditionally, book sales see increases during the holidays.

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-best-selling-books-audio-books/feed/ 1 Tops In 2008: Most Popular Consumer Goods http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-consumer-goods/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-consumer-goods/#comments Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:14:22 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5845 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

It’s official: Americans love their carbs.  The Bread and Baked Goods category ranked number one for 2008 — both in terms of consumer purchases and retail sales.  According to Nielsen, 99% of U.S. homes purchased bread/baked goods at least once during the 52 weeks ending June 28, 2008.  The Bread/Baked Goods category raked in $18.3 billion in sales through November 1.  Other popular CPG categories include paper products, snacks, and carbonated beverages.

Scarborough Research, a joint partnership with Nielsen and Arbitron, also reported on the top U.S.  markets for online shopping.  Washington, D.C. and San Francisco ranked first and second, respectively, with 39% and 35% of adults spending $500 or more online in the past year.  Nationwide, 25% of adults reported spending $500 or more online in the past year.

Top 10 Consumer Packaged Goods Purchased by U.S. Homes

Rank Category % U.S. Homes
Who Purchased
Each Category
Within Past Year
1 Bread and Baked Goods 99%
2 Paper Products 99%
3 Snacks 98%
4 Condiments, Gravies, and Sauces 98%
5 Candy 97%
6 Milk, Cream, Eggnog, Shakes & Drinks 97%
7 Cheese 97%
8 Fresh Produce 96%
9 Packaged Meat-Refrigerated 96%
10 Carbonated Beverages 96%
Source: The Nielsen Company.
Note: Data reflects the percentage of U.S. households who purchased at least once during 52-weeks ending June 28, 2008. Data includes manufacturer prepackaged, UPC items only.


Top 10 Consumer Packaged Goods Sold in U.S. Retail Stores

Rank Category Dollars Sold
(in Billions)
1 Bread and Baked Goods $18.3
2 Carbonated Beverages $18.2
3 Fresh Produce $16.5
4 Milk, Cream, Eggnog, Shakes & Drinks $16.3
5 Paper Products $14.8
6 Snacks $14.6
7 Packaged Meat-Refrigerated $13.2
8 Cheese $13.1
9 Prepared Foods-Frozen $11.3
10 Pet Food $10.9
Source: The Nielsen Company (52-weeks ending November 1, 2008).
Note: Data includes manufacturer prepackaged, UPC items only. Data includes sales from food, drug, mass merchandiser stores, including Wal-Mart.


Top U.S. Markets For Adults Who Spent More Than $500+ Online Last Year

Rank Market % Adults Who Spent $500+ Online
In The Past Year
1 Washington, D.C. DMA 39%
2 San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose DMA 35%
3 Seattle/Tacoma DMA 34%
4 Honolulu DMA 33%
5 Phoenix DMA 32%
6 Boston DMA 32%
7 San Diego DMA 32%
8 Austin DMA 31%
9 Baltimore DMA 31%
10 Denver DMA 31%
  National Average 25%
Source: Scarborough Research, Scarborough USA+ Release 1 2008.

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-consumer-goods/feed/ 0 Tops In 2008: Top Game Consoles, PC And Mobile Games http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-game-consoles-pc-and-mobile-games/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-game-consoles-pc-and-mobile-games/#comments Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:20:07 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5862 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

Sony’s Playstation 2 was the top game console of 2008, claiming 31.7% of all measured console minutes, according to Nielsen.  The Xbox 360 and Wii ranked second and third, respectively, with 17.2% and 13.4% of all usage minutes between January and October of this year.

Blizzard Entertainment’s “World of Warcraft” was the most popular PC game title of the year, drawing an average of 0.723% of all PC gamers per minute between January and October 2008.

Among mobile gamers, “Tetris” was the top game for Q3 2008, in terms of share of revenue. 

Top 10 PC Game Titles: U.S.

Rank Game Title Publisher AU% Average Minutes
Played Per Week
1 World of Warcraft Blizzard Entertainment 0.723% 671
2 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Activision 0.163% 403
3 Halo: Combat Evolved Microsoft Game Studios 0.092% 295
4 Sims, The Electronic Arts Inc. 0.09% 213
5 Sims 2, The Electronic Arts Inc. 0.086% 291
6 RuneScape Jagex Ltd. 0.084% 451
7 Diablo II Blizzard Entertainment 0.065% 313
8 Team Fortress 2 Valve 0.063% 371
9 Counter-Strike Sierra Studios 0.062% 282
10 Counter-Strike: Source Valve 0.061% 426
Source:  The Nielsen Company (January – October 2008).
Note: AU% is the percent of PC Gamers playing title in the average minute.


Top 10 Mobile Games By Revenue Share: U.S. – Q3 2008

Rank Game Share of Revenue
1 Tetris 7.0%
2 Bejeweled 4.0%
3 Guitar Hero III 3.6%
4 Wheel of Fortune 2.6%
5 PAC-MAN 2.5%
6 The Oregon Trail 1.9%
7 Ms. PAC-MAN 1.7%
8 Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? 1.6%
8 Tetris Mania 1.6%
9 Surviving High School 1.2%
Source: The Nielsen Company (July – September 2008).
“Note: Data is based on carrier-billed revenue at the top four U.S. carriers.  Data includes post-paid, personally liable lines only.”


Top Video Game Consoles By Usage

Rank Console Usage Minutes %
1 PlayStation 2 31.7
2 Xbox 360 17.2
3 Wii 13.4
4 Xbox 9.7
5 PlayStation 3 7.3
6 GameCube 4.6
7 Other 16.2
Source:  The Nielsen Company (January – October 2008).
Note:  Usage Minutes % is the percent of all measured console minutes.  “Other” consists of any other console systems found in the home.

View the press release.

Read coverage of Nielsen’s findings in Forbes.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-game-consoles-pc-and-mobile-games/feed/ 3 Tops In 2008: Top Websites, “Downloader” Markets http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-websites-downloader-markets/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-websites-downloader-markets/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:13:32 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5793 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

Google was the most popular website with U.S. Internet users, drawing the largest audience (120 million unique visitors per month, on average) through October 2008.

As of 2008, the most prolific content downloaders in the U.S. live in California, according to Scarborough Research, a joint partnership with Nielsen and Arbitron. The San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose market had the highest percentage (32%) of adults who had downloaded podcasts, video games, music/other audio clips, movies, videos, or TV programs in the past month.  The San Diego and Austin, Texas markets tied for a close second place (31%).  Nationwide, 24% of adults have downloaded online content in the past month.

Top 10 Websites: U.S.

Rank Brand Average
Monthly Unique Audience
(000)
1 Google 120,498
2 Yahoo! 114,872
3 MSN/Windows Live 98,414
4 Microsoft 95,479
5 AOL Media Network 90,193
6 YouTube 72,623
7 Fox Interactive Media 68,780
8 eBay 54,680
9 Wikipedia 54,505
10 Apple 49,303
Source: The Nielsen Company (January – October, 2008).


Top U.S. Markets For Content Downloaders

Rank Market % Adults
Who Downloaded
Online Content
In Past Month
1 San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose DMA 32%
2 San Diego DMA 31%
3 Austin DMA 31%
4 Washington, D.C. DMA 30%
5 Salt Lake City DMA 29%
6 Syracuse DMA 29%
7 Phoenix DMA 28%
8 Columbus DMA 28%
9 Seattle/Tacoma DMA 28%
10 Norfolk/Portsmouth/Newport News DMA 28%
  National Average 24%
Source: Scarborough Research, Scarborough USA+ Release 1 2008.
“Note: “”Content Downloaders”" are defined as adults who downloaded any of the following online during the past 30 days: podcasts, video games, music/other audio clips, movies, other video, or TV programs.

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-websites-downloader-markets/feed/ 1 Tops In 2008: Most Popular Mobile Phones, Mastertones http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-mobile-phones-mastertones/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-mobile-phones-mastertones/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:13:21 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5806 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

Motorola’s RAZR V3 series handset was easily the most popular mobile phone in use in the U.S., as of Q3 2008.

In October, more than 15.2 million American mobile Internet users visited Yahoo! Mail, making it the most popular mobile Web destination that month.  Google Search, which drew more than 10.5 million mobile Internet users in October, ranked second. 

Among master ringtones — 20-30 second excerpts of recorded songs — “Lollipop,” by Lil Wayne, featuring Static Major, and “Low,” by Flo Rida, featuring T-Pain, were most popular.

Top 10 Mobile Phones In Use: U.S. – Q3 2008

Rank Handset Embedded Base
Of All Subscribers
1 Motorola RAZR V3 series (V3, V3c, V3m, V3i, V3i DG, V3) 9.3%
2 Motorola MotoKRZR series (K1m, K1) 2.0%
3 LG VX8300 series 1.6%
4 Apple iPhone 1.5%
5 LG VX8500 series (Chocolate, VX8500, VX8550) 1.2%
5 RIM BlackBerry 8100 series (Pearl,8110, 8120, 8129) 1.2%
7 Nokia 6101 series (6101, 6102, 6102i) 1.1%
8 LG VX8350 1.0%
9 Motorola V325 series (V325, V323, V325i, V323i) 0.9%
9 Nokia 6010 series 0.9%
Source: The Nielsen Company (July 1 – September 30, 2008).


Top 10 Mastertones

Rank Title Artist
1 Lollipop Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major
2 Low Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain
3 Whatever You Like T.I.
4 I Kissed A Girl Katy Perry
5 Love In This Club Usher Featuring Young Jeezy
6 With You Chris Brown
7 Bleeding Love Leona Lewis
8 Bust It Baby Part 2 Plies Featuring Ne-Yo
9 No One Alicia Keys
10 Take A Bow Rihanna
Source: Billboard Hot RingMasters / The Nielsen Company.
Note: Data is from Billboard issue dates Dec 1, 2007 through November 29, 2008, which published sales data from November 12, 2007 through November 16, 2008. Master Ringtones play 20-30 seconds of the originally recorded song and are tracked separately from polyphonic ringtones, which are digital replications of songs.


Top 10 Websites Accessed Via Mobile Phone: U.S. – October 2008

Rank Brand Unique Audience
(000)
1 Yahoo! Mail 15,249
2 Google Search 10,520
3 Gmail 9,511
4 Weather Channel 8,706
5 ESPN 7,610
6 MSN Hotmail 7,428
7 Google Maps 6,849
8 AOL Email 5,978
9 CNN News 5,369
10 Facebook 5,010
Source: The Nielsen Company (October 2008).

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-mobile-phones-mastertones/feed/ 1 Tops In 2008: Best Selling Albums, Most Downloaded Songs http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-best-selling-album-most-downloaded-song/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-best-selling-album-most-downloaded-song/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:25:11 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5722 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

Alicia Keys’ “As I Am” was the top selling album of 2008, according to Billboard and Nielsen.

Keys also had the most listened-to radio song of the year, “No One,” which drew 3.08 billion radio listeners between November 12, 2007 through November 16, 2008. 

“Low,” by Flo Rida, featuring T-Pain, was the most downloaded song of the year, through November 16.

According to Scarborough Research, a joint partnership with Nielsen and Arbitron, MP3 players are most prevalent in Washington D.C., where 40% of adults live in households with at least one player.  Nationwide, 30% of adults live in homes with MP3 players.

Top 10 Albums

Rank Album Artist
1 As I Am Alicia Keys
2 Noel Josh Groban
3 Tha Carter III Lil Wayne
4 Long Road Out of Eden Eagles
5 Taylor Swift Taylor Swift
6 Rock N Roll Jesus Kid Rock
7 Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends Coldplay
8 NOW 26 Various Artists
9 Carnival Ride Carrie Underwood
10 The Ultimate Hits Garth Brooks
Source: Billboard 200 / The Nielsen Company.
Note: Data is from Billboard’s Dec 1, 2007 issue through November 29, 2008 (including sales data from Nov. 12, 2007 through November 16, 2008).


Top 10 Most Listened-To Radio Songs

Rank Song Artist Total Listeners
1 No One Alicia Keys 3,084,014,000
2 Low Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain 3,025,670,000
3 Bleeding Love Leona Lewis 2,754,498,000
4 Apologize Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic 2,508,246,000
5 Lollipop Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major 2,365,270,000
6 With You Chris Brown 2,348,062,000
7 Love in this Club Usher Featuring Young Jeezy 2,280,490,000
8 No Air Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown 2,170,133,000
9 Sexy Can I Ray J & Yung Berg 1,926,995,000
10 Take A Bow Rihanna 1,920,855,000
Source: Billboard Hot 100 Airplay / The Nielsen Company.
Note: Data is from Billboard’s Dec 1, 2007 issue through November 29, 2008 (including sales data from Nov. 12, 2007 through November 16, 2008).


Top 10 Most Digitally-Downloaded Songs

Rank Song Artist
1 Low Flo Rida Featuring T-Pain
2 Bleeding Love Leona Lewis
3 Lollipop Lil Wayne Featuring Static Major
4 I Kissed a Girl Katy Perry
5 Viva La Vida Coldplay
6 Love Song Sara Bareilles
7 Apologize Timbaland Featuring OneRepublic
8 No Air Jordin Sparks Duet With Chris Brown
9 Disturbia Rihanna
10 4 Minutes Madonna Featuring Justin Timberlake
Source: Billboard Hot Digital Songs / The Nielsen Company.
Note: Data is from Billboard’s Dec 1, 2007 issue through November 29, 2008 (including sales data from Nov. 12, 2007 through November 16, 2008).


Top U.S. Markets: Adults Living In A Household With An MP3 Player

Rank Market % Adults
Living In Households
With An MP3 Player
1 Washington, D.C. DMA 40%
2 Salt Lake City DMA 39%
3 San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose DMA 38%
4 Providence/New Bedford DMA 36%
5 Chicago DMA 36%
6 Seattle/Tacoma DMA 35%
7 New York DMA 35%
8 Denver DMA 35%
9 Honolulu DMA 34%
10 San Diego DMA 34%
  National Average 30%
Source: Scarborough Research, Scarborough USA+ Release 1 2008.

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-best-selling-album-most-downloaded-song/feed/ 6 Tops In 2008: Top Advertisers, Most Popular Commercials http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-advertisers-most-popular-commercials/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-advertisers-most-popular-commercials/#comments Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:25:00 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5696 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

Procter & Gamble was the top advertiser, spending more than $2.3 billion on traditional media advertising in the U.S. through September 30.  General Motors and AT&T rounded out the top three advertisers.

Among the year’s most-liked commercials, ads by the NFL, Budweiser, and Geico were most popular with American audiences. 

Product placements by CVS (on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), TRESemme (on “Project Runway”), and El Pollo Loco (on “Flipping Out”) were most popular with viewers.

NBC’s “Biggest Loser” featured the greatest number of product placements (6,248 occurrences) of any broadcast TV program, through November 30.

Top 10 Advertisers – U.S. Spending – Traditional Media

Rank Parent Company Ad Dollars Spent
(US $)
1 Procter & Gamble Co $2,342,319,397
2 General Motors Corp $1,441,747,399
3 AT&T Inc $1,317,893,377
4 Verizon Communications Inc $1,125,700,512
5 Johnson & Johnson $1,059,109,138
6 Time Warner Inc $878,355,332
7 Toyota Motor Corp $819,377,026
8 General Electric Co $807,869,688
9 Ford Motor Co $742,708,529
10 Pepsico Inc $730,503,931
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – September 30, 2008).
Note: Data is based on spending estimates in the following media: Network TV, National Cable TV, Spot TV, Syndicated TV, Spanish-Language TV, Nat’l/Local Magazine, Network/Spot Radio, Outdoor, Coupons (CPGs only), Nat’l/Local Newspapers (display ads only), Nat’l/Local Sunday Supplements.


Top 10 Best-Liked TV Commercials

Rank Brand Ad Description
(Seconds)		 Likeability
Index*
1 NFL Ephraim Salaam describes how Chester Pitts became an NFL player (:60) 216
2 Budweiser Dalmatian trains Hank the Clydesdale for hitch team (:60) 208
3 Geico Gecko on subway train with older man (:30) 192
4 AMP Energy Dale Earnhardt Jr. knocks out a gorilla in different places (:30) 191
5 M&M’s Pink peanut M&M is attacked by squirrels in park (:15) 186
6 Bridgestone Squirrel and other forest animals scream as car approaches (:30) 185
7 Lowe’s Jimmie Johnson fixes things, including school bus, using Kobalt tools (:30) 185
8 Slim Jim Couple at wedding is attacked by man’s mini evil twin (:15) 181
9 Bud Light Bud Light is brewed to give you the ability to breath fire (:30) 175
10 Macy’s Celebrities read “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” (:30) 170
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – November 30, 2008).
*Note: Data includes primetime broadcast networks only. Only ads launching since January 1 were considered. Nielsen IAG’s panel includes viewers ages 13 and older.


Top 10 Most-Effective Product Placements (Brand Opinion)

Rank Brand Ad Description Program / Network Brand Opinion Index*
1 CVS Pharmacy Company pays bills and provides supplies to families Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC, 3/16 – 11/9/08) 299
2 TRESemme Company provides prize to winner; sponsor of hair salon Project Runway (Bravo, 1/2 – 10/20/08) 256
3 El Pollo Loco Jeff and team eat lunch from fast-food restaurant Flipping Out (Bravo, 6/24 – 8/12/08) 254
4 Bluefly.com Winner can sell line through online retailer; sponsor of accessories wall Project Runway (Bravo, 1/2 – 10/20/08) 254
5 Sears Retailer provides tools, appliances and supplies for homes Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC, 1/6 – 11/30/08) 253
6 Glad Company provides prize to winner; products are used during challenges Top Chef (Bravo, 3/12 – 11/28/08) 251
7 Whole Foods Market Contestants shop for ingredients to use in challenges Top Chef (Bravo, 3/12 – 11/28/08) 248
8 Food & Wine Magazine Winner will be featured in magazine and showcase food at festival Top Chef (Bravo, 3/12 – 11/28/08) 245
9 GQ Magazine Winning model will receive a fashion pictorial in men’s magazine Make Me a Supermodel (Bravo, 1/10 – 4/3/08) 244
10 Hugo Boss Patti’s clients shop with style expert at clothing store The Millionaire Matchmaker (Bravo, 2/12 – 4/7/08) 241
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – November 30, 2008).
*Note: Data includes primetime broadcast and cable networks (A&E, Bravo, Discovery, ESPN, FX, Lifetime, NAN, TBS, TLC, TNT and USA). The placements delivered the greatest percentage of viewers who both recalled and cited an improved opinion of the integrated brand. Nielsen IAG’s panel includes viewers ages 13 and older.


Top 10 Broadcast Network TV Programs – Product Placement Activity

Rank Program Network Total # of
Product Placement
Occurrences
1 Biggest Loser NBC 6,248
2 American Idol FOX 4,636
3 Extreme Makeover Home Edition ABC 3,371
4 America’s Toughest Jobs NBC 2,807
5 One Tree Hill CW 2,575
6 Deal Or No Deal NBC 2,292
7 America’s Next Top Model CW 2,241
8 Last Comic Standing NBC 1,993
9 Kitchen Nightmares FOX 1,853
10 Hells Kitchen FOX 1,807
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – November 30, 2008).

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-advertisers-most-popular-commercials/feed/ 7 Tops In 2008: Top TV Programs, Single Telecasts http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-tv-programs-single-telecasts/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-tv-programs-single-telecasts/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:20:57 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5758 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

FOX’s “American Idol” was the top TV program of 2008, according to Nielsen.  Tuesday night broadcasts of “American Idol,” through December 7, drew 15.5% of U.S. TV households, on average, while Wednesday night “American Idol” broadcasts drew an average of 15.3% of all TV households.

Viewers with DVR access gave NBC’s “Heroes” the biggest bump any primetime program received in 2008.  The average TV audience for “Heroes” increased by 35% when timeshifted viewing within seven days of a program’s original air date was factored into Nielsen’s ratings.  FOX’s “Fringe” and ABC’s “Lost” also drew large audience boosts — +26% and +25%, respectively — from DVR viewers.

The 2008 Superbowl, which drew 43.1% of all U.S. TV households, was the most popular single telecast of 2008. 

Top 10 TV Programs – Regularly Scheduled

Rank Program Network % of Homes In U.S.
(Rating)
1 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY FOX 15.5%
2 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY FOX 15.3%
3 DANCING WITH THE STARS ABC 12.3%
4 DANCING W/STARS RESULTS ABC 11.4%
5 MENTALIST, THE CBS 10.0%
6 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NBC 10.0%
7 CSI CBS 8.1%
8 NCIS CBS 8.0%
9 60 MINUTES CBS 7.6%
10 SURVIVOR: GABON CBS 7.6%
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – December 7, 2008).
Note: Household Ratings include Live and Same Day timeshifted viewing. Data excludes telecasts under five minutes.


Top 10 TV Programs – Single Telecast

Rank Telecast Network Date Aired % Of Homes
In U.S.
(Rating)
1 FOX SUPER BOWL XLII FOX 2/3/2008 43.1%
2 FOX SUPER BOWL POST GAME FOX 2/3/2008 30.1%
3 FOX NFC CHAMPIONSHIP FOX 1/20/2008 29.0%
4 SUMMER OLYMPICS TUE PRIME 1 NBC 8/12/2008 20.0%
5 FOX NFC PLAYOFF-PST-SUN FOX 1/13/2008 18.8%
6 SUMMER OLYMPICS OPEN CEREM NBC 8/8/2008 18.8%
7 ACADEMY AWARDS ABC 2/24/2008 18.7%
8 SUMMER OLYMPICS SUN PRIME 1 NBC 8/10/2008 18.1%
9 AFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF CBS 1/12/2008 17.9%
10 SUMMER OLYMPICS THU PRIME 1 NBC 8/14/2008 17.9%
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – December 7, 2008).
Note: Household Ratings include Live and Same Day timeshifted viewing. Data excludes telecasts under five minutes.


Top 10 “Timeshifted” Primetime TV Programs

Rank Program Network % Increase
In Viewership
1 HEROES NBC 35%
2 FRINGE FOX 26%
3 LOST ABC 25%
4 BONES FOX 21%
5 GREY’S ANATOMY-THU 9PM ABC 20%
6 HOUSE FOX 18%
7 SURVIVOR: GABON CBS 18%
8 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY FOX 13%
9 MENTALIST, THE CBS 13%
10 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY FOX 12%
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – November 23, 2008).
Note: Percent Increase in viewership is based on absolute difference between Live Household Ratings and Live+7.

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-top-tv-programs-single-telecasts/feed/ 2 Tops In 2008: Most Popular Movies And DVDs http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-movies-and-dvds/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-movies-and-dvds/#comments Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:00:01 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=5652 Nielsen has issued a year-end look at the most popular trends among Americans during 2008, covering everything from the top TV programs to the most popular consumer packaged goods.

Up first: movies and DVDs. 

Action and adventure ruled the box office in 2008.  “The Dark Knight,” “Iron Man,” “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” were the top three box office earners this past year, taking in a combined $1.16 billion through December 7.

Among DVD releases, action and adventure flicks also fared well, with “Iron Man” and “I Am Legend” claiming the top two slots.  Several films geared toward younger viewers also cracked Nielsen’s list of top-selling DVDs: “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” “Enchanted,” “Wall-E,” and “Bee Movie.”

Top 10 Box Office – All Theatrical

Rank Film Title Distributor Cumulative Total (US$) Open Date
1 The Dark Knight Warner Bros. $530,540,885 7/18/08
2 Iron Man Paramount $318,313,199 5/2/08
3 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Paramount $317,023,851 5/22/08
4 Hancock Sony $227,946,274 7/2/08
5 Wall-E Disney $223,704,223 6/27/08
6 Kung Fu Panda Paramount $215,434,591 6/6/08
7 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Paramount $165,653,852 11/7/08
8 Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who Fox $154,529,439 3/14/08
9 Sex and the City Warner Bros. $152,647,258 5/30/08
10 Quantum of Solace Sony $151,620,134 11/14/08
Source: The Nielsen Company / The Hollywood Reporter (January 1 – December 7, 2008).
“Note: Data is for U.S. and Canada Only. Traditionally, box office sales see significant increases during the holidays, which are excluded from this data.

Top 10 DVD Sales

Rank DVD Title Distributor Release Date
1 Iron Man Paramount Home Entertainment 9/30/08
2 I Am Legend Warner Home Video 3/18/08
3 Alvin and the Chipmunks Twentieth Century Fox Home Ent 4/1/08
4 Enchanted Disney/Buena Vista Home Video 3/18/08
5 National Treasure 2 : Book of Secrets Disney/Buena Vista Home Video 5/20/08
6 Wall-E Disney/Buena Vista Home Video 11/18/08
7 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Paramount Home Entertainment 10/14/08
8 Sex and the City – The Movie Warner Home Video 9/23/08
9 Bee Movie Paramount Home Entertainment 3/11/08
10 American Gangster Universal Home Entertainment 2/19/08
Source: The Nielsen Company (January 1 – December 7, 2008).
Note: Several key Q4 2008 DVD titles had not yet been released as of Dec 7. Data is based on aggregate disc unit sales, including Blu-ray and HD DVD. Data does not include sales from Wal-Mart, but most other sell-through retailers are included.

View the press release.

Relive the greatest hits of 2008 — stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for more Tops In 2008 coverage.

Look ahead to the new year with Nielsen Wire’s 2009 Industry Outlook series.

]]> http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/consumer/tops-in-2008-most-popular-movies-and-dvds/feed/ 0 Coke, GE Olympics Ads Win With Olympics Viewers http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/media_entertainment/coke-ge-olympics-ads-win-with-olympics-viewers/ http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/media_entertainment/coke-ge-olympics-ads-win-with-olympics-viewers/#comments Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:39:00 +0000 admin http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/?p=481 Among the many Olympics winners so far are a handful of advertisers, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday.

Ads created especially for the Beijing Games by Coca-Cola, General Electric, Oreo, and Visa were among the best-remembered and most-liked commercials during the first week of the Beijing Olympics, according to Nielsen IAG, which uses an online panel to track the performance of advertising.

A Coca-Cola ad in which animated birds use straws swiped from Coke bottles to construct a nest resembling the Olympic stadium in Beijing was especially popular with Olympics viewers, Nielsen reported.

An ad for Oreo cookies showing two girls on a train in China copying each other’s every move — including eating Oreos, also scored well with Olympics audiences, according to Nielsen.

View Nielsen’s ranking of the top ten Olympics-themed ads.

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