Time Warner and Nielsen Media Research announced Tuesday that they have extended their contract for another three years. The pact was a wide-ranging seven-year deal that set a precedent when it was signed in 1998. In addition to covering national and local research for Time Warner’s broadcast, cable and syndication units, the deal covers Local People Meter service for Time Warner Cable in New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta, which is scheduled to get LPM service in 2006.

The deal allows for Time Warner and Nielsen to share information and collaborate on developing and testing new TV measurement systems.

“We are committed to working with Nielsen to ensure that television will always be the best measured medium. Our agreement provides us with continuous hands on involvement in Nielsen’s television research measurement and allows our companies access to the Nielsen research tools they need to do business more effectively,” said Jack Wakshlag, chief research officer for Time Warner’s Turner Broadcasting.

“We are extremely pleased to continue our strong and collaborative relationship with Time Warner. Their forward thinking has helped our company plan for the future,” said Sara Erichson, general manager of national services for Nielsen.