the founders of IBOPE. The Institute develops and runs educational projects, using the knowledge gathered through research in the 69-year history of IBOPE. Instability In 2009, the IBOPE was under suspicion of a possible blackout in its system on 22 November 2009 at 9:40 at night. At that time, the device that measures real-time audience numbers stopped working, and the Institute accused mobile operators that they were responsible for the alleged breakdown in the system. But companies TIM and VIVO denied the Institute of Public Opinion in a statement to Rede Record, which was most harmed by the fact happened. Since then, the television station determined on its department of communication not to disclose their numbers over the station's audience, as they say in their research methodologically. Even respecting the client's rights, IBOPE disagreed with these critics made, considering it was a momentary problem. The company's research follows the code of self-regulation and ethics of the ESOMAR - The World Association of Research Professionals, and also follows the code of ethics of Associação Brasileira das Empresas de Pesquisa (ABEP - Brazilian Association of Research Companies) In Argentina, IBOPE is also under suspicion, regarding its research methodology. The government of President Cristina Kirchner plans to launch a state system of measuring television audience in the country (similar to British BARB), in a clear challenge to IBOPE, which now dominates the Argentine Market. According to the government of the country, the work of IBOPE is not checked by anyone. However, the work of IBOPE in the area of media research is audited by independent firms, hired by a committee formed by the clients of this service. In Argentina, the audit is made by the Cámara de Control de Medición de Audiencia (CCMA - Chamber of Control of Audience Measurement). See also Kantar Media Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics References Notes Principal External links Kantar Ibope Media Public opinion research companies Market research companies of Brazil Audience measurement Privately held companies of Brazil Companies based in São Paulo 1942 establishments in Brazil Companies established in 1942