SAARF Budget restrictions for 2003 and the effect on AMPS, RAMS and TAMS

Issued by SAARF

30 Oct 2002

Following the anticipated budget shortfall that MIT is expecting for 2003, the SAARF Board has approved that all possible measures be taken to reduce expenses with relation to all its products for next year.

The above reduction of cost have two major implications: firstly, where ever possible, sample sizes will have to be reduced to minimum acceptable levels and secondly, the AMPS interview will have to be reduced with at least 15 minutes.

To achieve this, it was decided that the sample for community newspapers and freesheets will not be boosted as currently to meet minimum requirements. This will only be done on a user-pay basis if any of these publishers are prepared to subscribe.

To reduce the length of the interview, all branded questions (brands of motor vehicles, financial institutions and retail stores) will in future also be treated on a user pay basis and will only be asked if a subscriber/(s) are found. The rest of the current questions in these sections will be retained, in other words users of the motor vehicles, financial and retail data will still have access to all other questions than the branded ones.

After Thursday's MIT meeting, we hope to have a good indication on what would be possible next year and what not. In the meantime, we have to go ahead with planning and by next Friday 8 November 2002, we will have to reach final agreement on the inclusion of the above user-pay questions. After the MIT meeting of Thursday, you are welcome to contact us to discuss the cost implications.

If you need any further clarification, please feel free to contact me any time.

Regards
PIET SMIT
Technical Director
South African Advertising Research Foundation
Tel +27 11 463-5340
Fax +27 11 463 5010
e-mail: piet@saarf.co.za
Website: www.saarf.co.za