AWARD-WINNING RESEARCHER, ENTREPRENEUR, AND ACADEMIC BECOMES CHAIRMAN OF KNOWLEDGE NETWORKS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nie pioneered study of social effects of the Internet; co-founded Knowledge Networks

Menlo Park, CA; July 6, 2006: Norman Nie, a distinguished political scientist and specialist in survey research who has applied his research expertise to a series of successful business ventures – as well as in his academic career – has accepted the position of non-executive Chairman of the Knowledge Networks Board of Directors. He succeeds Fredric W. Harman, General Partner of Oak Investment Partners, who remains a member of the KN Board.

Nie and Douglas Rivers founded Knowledge Networks to bring statistically valid research to the Internet. Nie has remained a member of the company's Board since; as non-executive Chairman, he will work with KN's CEO, Simon Kooyman, and the KN Executive Team to help set the strategy for the company's continued growth.

In May of this year, Nie received the AAPOR Award for "exceptionally distinguished achievement" in public opinion research, which is given each year for a lifetime of innovative work in the field.

Now Research Professor in the Department of Political Science at Stanford University, and Director of the Stanford Institute for the Quantitative Study of Society, Nie has made important contributions to the study of political behavior, social change prompted by information technologies, and the changing meaning of educational attainment. He has authored or co-authored many books and articles and has twice won the annual Woodrow Wilson Foundation Award for the best book published in political science.

"I am pleased to be taking a new, more prominent role in helping Knowledge Networks find ways to leverage its unique position in the marketplace," Nie said. "The company has more than fulfilled expectations, but it is clear that the opportunities for growth are still numerous and exciting. I look forward to working with Simon Kooyman and the other KN leaders as we bring the company to a new level of success."

Knowledge Networks delivers quality you can use—superior methodologies, design, and analysis that give you an edge when it comes to understanding consumers and making business decisions. KN's unmatched consumer research resources include the only probability-based, Web-based consumer panel. The company leverages its expertise in brands, media, advertising, and analytics to provide insights that speak directly to clients' most important marketing issues. In addition, Knowledge Networks has built a substantial practice in government and academic research, an area notable for its rigorous methodology standards.