OzTAM has partnered with Fetch TV to include its Return Path Data (RPD) for its ongoing big data proof-of-concept (POC) project.
In the TV measurement space, big data refers to a combination of RPD from cable and satellite set-top boxes, alongside ACR data from internet-connected smart TVs. RPD captures linear TV viewing habits, while ACR tracks multi-platform and on-demand consumption.
The initiative explores how big data can deliver more precise audience measurement insights and increase measurement granularity when meshed with representative panel data.
The POC, announced in April 2025, is well underway, leveraging data from OzTAM’s existing data partners Samba TV and Nexxen, as well as OzTAM’s internal datasets. Phase One is focused on scoping the opportunities and benefits of bringing together big data with OzTAM’s data, while Phase Two will engage industry leaders to design a roadmap to combine these new data sources with OzTAM’s established panel data.
Fetch TV, an Australian home entertainment platform, is a subscription streaming service and universal aggregator of free-to-air broadcast channels, BVOD, SVOD, and AVOD services delivered via broadband and accessed via set-top boxes. The platform will contribute anonymous, aggregated RPD sent back through the return path from approximately 700,000 Fetch set-top box households.
“We are delighted to welcome Fetch TV as our latest big data partner as we look to further enhance Australia’s audience measurement capability. The inclusion of Fetch TV further strengthens our proof-of-concept and moves us closer to understanding the impact of incorporating big data sources into VOZ Total TV currency,” OzTAM CEO, Karen Halligan said.
RPD captures large-scale, second-by-second viewing activity, providing a deeper and more precise picture of what content is being played, when, and for how long across broadcast and digital platforms. With national coverage, Fetch RPD will provide valuable additional insights, including granular regional viewing intelligence.
Samba TV and Nexxen both provide Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) data, sourced from more than 2.2 million connected TV sets in Australia. Combined with OzTAM and Regional TAM’s panel of 8,300 homes, including 5,000+ streaming TV meters, and the 16 million connected devices measured through OzTAM’s Video Player Measurement (VPM) service monthly, big data has the potential to transform total video measurement in Australia.
“We are thrilled to partner with OzTAM to support their Big Data initiative. At Fetch TV, we are committed to delivering a world-class entertainment experience to consumers. With our scale and presence in around 700,000 Australian homes and universal content viewed on our platform, this collaboration allows us to contribute to initiatives that enhance the accuracy and consistency of screen measurement across Australia,” Fetch TV CEO, Dominic Arena said.
“By aligning with OzTAM’s efforts, we are doing our part to provide the Australian media industry with a more accurate and comprehensive view of how people are watching TV, reinforcing our position as a valuable partner in the evolving media landscape,” Arena added.
