Nielsen reinforces rule against blended audience data for networks

Nielsen issued a directive to television networks prohibiting the mixing of internal or third-party metrics with its audience data. This reminder comes amid significant changes to its measurement practices as the new television season approaches. Issues with blended data arose during the FIFA World Cup, where NBC and Telemundo employed different methodologies in reporting viewership. As Nielsen implements major updates starting Monday to better capture audience consumption, NFL officials have expressed concerns over the potential confusion in measuring viewership during the upcoming season. Fox Sports has welcomed the new policy and calls for its enforcement during the NFL season.

• 4:36 PMYahoo Sports — Nielsen Warns Networks Against Mixing Metrics With Outside Data