NBC Sports adopts Nielsen metrics for NFL audience reporting

NBC Sports is shifting its NFL viewership reporting to Nielsen’s standard measurement methodology, effective with the season opener between the Patriots and Seahawks. The network previously utilized its own Total Audience Delivery figures, a blend of Nielsen data and internal digital metrics that drew criticism from other rights holders. Nielsen recently enforced stricter guidelines prohibiting the combination of internal data with its metrics for comparative press statements. This change applies to NFL games and MLB wild-card playoff coverage through January. While NBC Sports will continue using Adobe Analytics for digital content measurement, the network has opted to align with industry standards for its public audience claims. The shift aims to support the network's goal of maintaining Sunday Night Football as the most-watched primetime program for a 16th consecutive season.

• 4:17 PMYahoo Sports — NBC Sports Ditches Blended Ratings for Nielsen’s NFL Standard