Crown Media International, which operates the Hallmark Channel outside America, has announced the signing of a three-year regional contract with ACNielsen Media International. 

AC Nielsen claims to be the world's leading provider of people meter-based TV ratings. The agreement, effective 17 January 2002, will cover television ratings in India, Australia, Singapore and Taiwan. 

This is the first regional TV ratings contract that Hallmark Channel has signed with ACNielsen Media International in Asia. Previously, Hallmark had purchased TV ratings information from the company on a limited basis in Taiwan, Australia and Singapore. 

Hallmark programming consists of movies, mini-series, series and children's programming. The channel claims that its audience numbers have grown in the Asia Pacific region by more than 50 per cent over the past year to 18 million homes. The channel also claims in an official release that in the region viewers are able to watch the service on seven different feeds and branded blocks. 

Managing director, advertising sales of Crown Media International Barry Frey said: "Our strong distribution and enhanced programme schedules in Asia Pacific, coupled with our significant viewership and ad sales growth over the last two years, have led us to make this decision. It is important that we have accurate and timely data about ratings for the benefit of our advertisers." 

V-P ad sales Asia, Gregory Ang, said: "This agreement with ACNielsen provides the insight and information needed by clients who would like to target their products at the market segments that Hallmark Channel caters to." 

Forrest Didier, MD, ACNielsen Media International, Asia Pacific said: "We are very pleased to welcome Hallmark Channel as our newest regional client for TV ratings in Asia Pacific. Hallmark Channel is recognized as one of the most popular entertainment channels in the region and is fast expanding into many markets. We are confident our service will provide Hallmark Channel with the in-depth analysis and insights they need to further increase their presence in Asia Pacific."

ACNielsen Media International's television audience measurement service claims to have over 18,000 people meter homes in 12 Asia Pacific markets: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.