NEW YORK, March 5, 2007 - Nielsen BuzzMetrics, the global measurement standard in consumer-generated media (CGM), today announced two strategic executive hires to fortify a growing roster of industry practice leaders charged with advancing CGM analytics. These new domain experts will lead the firm's services in consumer electronics and consumer-packaged goods, two of the categories most heavily affected by the rapid growth of blogs, boards, online video and other consumer-expression vehicles.

Greg Thornhill joins as vice president of client services and practice lead for consumer-packaged goods, which includes the firm's focus on nutrition and food. Greg's two decades of CPG experience includes a stellar record in sales, management, trade development and marketing at some of the world's foremost CPG and marketing brands. He served as vice president of business development at Catalina Marketing, and as marketing director within the Oral Care business groups at both The Gillette Company and Procter & Gamble.

John Latona joins as vice president of client services and practice lead for consumer electronics. Latona is a 15-year veteran in consumer tech, and is renowned for driving results through ecommerce, marketing, sales and operations. Latona formerly was vice president of eBusiness at XM Satellite Radio, and formerly was a vice president at iXL, where he consulted to AOL, Compaq, GE, DuPont, First USA, Fleet Bank, and Bank One among others.

"Latona and Thornhill are extremely valuable additions to Nielsen BuzzMetrics' vertical-industry leadership," said Jonathan Carson, chief executive, Nielsen BuzzMetrics. "They underscore our commitment to equip Fortune 500 marketers with the highest quality, most relevant and actionable CGM analytics to help protect and promote their brands."

"This talent acquisition demonstrates our commitment to deep domain expertise and client service," said Jay Stockwell, senior vice president, client services, Nielsen BuzzMetrics. "Along with our technologies, methodologies and research frameworks, our people are our without peer. They are dedicated, experienced and empowered to help our clients succeed in CGM."

Latona and Thornhill join Nielsen BuzzMetrics' other vertical practice leaders, including:

• Lydia Worthington, vice president, healthcare
• Dan Mechem, vice president and general manager, media and entertainment
• Brian Schlessinger, vice president, financial services and emerging markets
• Bill Stephenson, vice president, automotive

About Nielsen BuzzMetrics

The Nielsen BuzzMetrics service, marketed by BuzzMetrics, Inc., is the global standard in measuring consumer-generated media and word of mouth. Nielsen BuzzMetrics helps more than 100 leading global companies strategically leverage the buzz surrounding them—clients like Canon, Comcast, Ford, General Motors, HBO, Kraft, Microsoft, Nokia, P&G, Sony, Target and Toyota, as well as the top 15 pharmaceutical concerns. Partners include the world's largest marketing-services firms, and innovative new-marketing agencies. The company has also collaborated with distinguished research organizations such as the Pew Internet and American Life Project. BuzzMetrics, Inc. is subsidiary of the Nielsen Company. For more information, visit www.nielsenbuzzmetrics.com.

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Contact:

Sandra Parrelli, Nielsen BuzzMetrics; sandra.parrelli@buzzmetrics.com; (646) 654-7772

Press Contact: Sandra Parrelli; Sandra.Parrelli@nielsen.com; 646-654-7772

Sales Inquiries: sales@buzzmetrics.com; 1.877.999.7335

About Nielsen Online:

Nielsen Online, a service of The Nielsen Company, delivers comprehensive, independent measurement and analysis of online audiences, advertising, video, consumer-generated media, word of mouth, commerce and consumer behavior, and includes products previously marketed under the Nielsen//NetRatings and Nielsen BuzzMetrics brands. With high quality, technology-driven products and services, Nielsen Online enables clients to make informed business decisions regarding their Internet, digital and marketing strategies. For more information, please visit www.nielsen-online.com.

About The Nielsen Company:

The Nielsen Company is a global information and media company with leading market positions in marketing information (ACNielsen), media information (Nielsen Media Research), online intelligence (NetRatings and BuzzMetrics), trade shows and business publications (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek). The privately held company is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, the Netherlands, and New York, USA. For more information, please visit, www.nielsen.com.