New York-based BuzzMetrics, an online word-of-mouth research firm, has launched a syndicated service to listen in on TV discussions posted by viewers on blogs, message boards and the like. The TV*BuzzMetrics ratings will explain key drivers of end user engagement and value. Its pilot version tracks buzz on the top 30 new primetime programs and will be delivered monthly from November 2005 through June 2006. Key metrics include: buzz levels trended over time, viewer sentiment, program involvement rankings and brand and topic associations. According to the October 2005 buzz watch, the TV*BuzzMetrics pilot has found that three of five programs generating the most buzz come from NBC — My Name is Earl, The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, and Surface. BuzzMetrics is an affiliate of VNU, owners of ACNielsen and Nielsen Media Research.
