Paramount, Nielsen fail to reach new ratings contract

State of play: Variety reported last week that Paramount was close to dropping Nielsen over costs.

• Paramount is trying to slash spending as it awaits regulatory approval for a merger with Skydance Media. It has already begun to cut t its U.S. workforce by 15%, including big-name talent at CBS News.

What they're saying: In a statement Tuesday, Paramount accused Nielsen of severing a long-standing partnership with "unacceptable demands, including substantial price increases that are inconsistent with the realities of a changing industry."

• A Nielsen spokesperson simply said, "We look forward to working with Paramount on a new agreement."

What's next: In the absence of a new deal with Nielsen, Paramount will be leaning on measurement startup VideoAmp, a spokesperson confirmed.

• Many TV networks are experimenting with VideoAmp and other measurement upstarts while continuing to rely on Nielsen as their primary ratings authority.
• VideoAmp's CEO quietly stepped down last year after the firm laid off 10% of its workforce in 2023, and another 20% in early 2024.