New York, NY – April 3, 2024 – Gracenote, the content data business unit of Nielsen, has expanded its FAST Program to the U.S. helping content owners and providers more easily launch new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. Now, U.S.-based content owners can distribute their TV programs and movies to leading streaming platforms along with industry-standard Gracenote metadata ensuring their offerings are discoverable and monetizable.

In response to rising costs for entertainment, consumers around the world are using ad-supported video services in massive numbers to complement or replace premium subscription video on-demand (SVOD) offerings. The U.S. market is ahead of this adoption curve, particularly in relation to FAST. According to eMarketer, nearly one-third of the U.S. population or 114.5 million viewers are expected to watch FAST channels by 2027.

First introduced in Europe in late 2023, the Gracenote FAST Program helps U.S.-based content owners navigate the process of launching and distributing their FAST channels with the enriched metadata attributes that are critical in driving viewer discoverability. The program leverages Gracenote’s existing distribution network which comprises leading streaming platforms, facilitating seamless onboarding and immediate content availability for participants.

“Go-to-market complexity in the FAST ecosystem can slow the process of launching channels and getting content in front of entertainment-hungry viewers,” said Tim Cutting, Chief Revenue Officer at Gracenote. “By removing obstacles for content owners in the U.S., the Gracenote FAST Program facilitates wider content distribution, better content discovery and deeper viewer engagement. Ultimately, this helps participants maximize ad monetization against their valuable content assets and position themselves for success now and into the future.”

While data requirements differ by streaming platform, Gracenote ensures relevant metadata and assets are available to the Gracenote distribution network of platforms for FAST channel deployment. Once content owners submit their programs and schedules, Gracenote distributes enriched, normalized program data and EPG data directly to the streaming platforms. Qualifying Gracenote FAST Program participants will benefit from:

• Ingestible schedules: Standardized date and time formats for each program airing ensure linear schedule accuracy and aid tune-in
• Enhanced merchandising assets: Enriched program synopses and visual imagery that power program presentation regardless of platform and draw viewers in
• Expanded metadata coverage: Standardized genre categorizations and more advanced data tags leveraging Gracenote taxonomy make your content findable in current and future discovery experiences

By leveraging Gracenote’s FAST metadata management and distribution services, content owners can make their programs and FAST channels easily accessible to viewers on major streaming platforms around the world. Gracenote’s long history powering critical content navigation, search and discovery capabilities for linear broadcast TV qualify it to drive next generation streaming experiences. So program participants can rest assured that their FAST channels will evolve with the additional datasets required to effectively compete, attract viewers and drive ad monetization.

For more information on the Gracenote FAST Program and related metadata services, visit https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2024/metadata-matters-powering-future-fast-channel-success/.

Gracenote is the content data business unit of Nielsen, providing entertainment metadata, content IDs and related offerings to the world’s leading creators, distributors and platforms. Gracenote technology enables advanced content navigation and discovery capabilities helping individuals to easily connect to the TV shows, movies, music and sports they love while delivering powerful content analytics making complex business decisions simpler.

Media Contact

Mark Yamada
mark.yamada@nielsen.com

The post Gracenote Speeds FAST Channel Deployment in the U.S. appeared first on Nielsen.

NEW YORK – March 27, 2024 – Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, announced a multi-year renewal with Circle City Broadcasting, Indiana’s only locally owned and operated broadcast and digital news media network, for Local TV measurement. 

As part of the new agreement, Circle City will now leverage Nielsen’s Local Over the Top (OTT) measurement, which measures local audiences across both streaming apps and linear television. This added capability will generate incremental Impressions for Circle City’s Broadcast and Digital platform and provide the most comprehensive view of their reach across multiple platforms, powering key insights about their audience and ultimately new incremental revenue opportunities. 

“At Circle City we’re proud to serve our local communities every day. We truly value Nielsen’s approach to innovation and ongoing investments in Local TV. We are excited to be adding Local OTT measurement to gain an even deeper understanding of our local audiences regardless of where or how they’re watching,” said DuJuan McCoy, Owner & President of Circle City Broadcasting.

“We are thrilled to extend our long-standing work with  Circle City to report their deep & diverse audiences with  insights they need to drive content decisions and incremental revenue opportunities for their audiences across Indiana,” said Paul LeFort, Managing Director of Nielsen’s Local TV business. “As our Big Data + Panel solution for Local TV comes to market this year, Nielsen remains committed to serving our customers with best in class Local TV measurement inclusive of Over-the-Air, Out-of-Home and direct persons measurement , and representing the diverse communities served by broadcasters like Circle City. 

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).

Media contact

Sarah Muratore
Nielsen
sarah.muratore@nielsen.com

The post Nielsen and Circle City Broadcasting Renew Local TV Measurement appeared first on Nielsen.

Nielsen’s list of New Zealand’s Top 20 highest spending advertisers is the result of detailed analysis, which delivers an accurate view of advertising trends and spending between January and December last year.

Retail giant Harvey Norman topped the list, cementing its place as the nation’s biggest advertiser, followed by Foodstuffs NZ, and Woolworths, respectively.

ANZ topped the list of financial institutions, coming in at number 4, while Spark was the top telco ad spender, placing 5th on the list.

In a bid for dominance over New Zealand’s lucrative hardware and garden market, Mitre 10 (13th) outspent Bunnings (18th), while KFC was the highest spending fast food advertiser, coming in at number 6 – three places ahead of rival McDonald’s.

Nielsen New Zealand’s Ad Intel Commercial Lead, Nick Whitehead, said: “Nielsen’s NZ Ad Intel spend data for 2023 clearly demonstrates that marketers aren’t just advertising because they feel they have to – they’re its biggest champions. They know it’s still the best, most economical way of creating lasting connections between NZ consumers and brands. Top-tier data, like that provided by Nielsen Ad Intel, is crucial if you want to get the edge on your competition in a market as crowded as New Zealand.”

About Nielsen Ad Intel

Ad Intel provides the most complete source of cross-platform advertising intelligence available today. With intuitive software, review-and-compare ad activity across media, company, category or brand, plus historical data.

Note: Nielsen monitors gross advertising expenditure in major media at published rate card values. While discounts are made available from some media owners, rates are not openly available. Please also note that the category and brand/product groupings figures are grouped at Nielsen’s discretion.

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviours across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences – now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries.

Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).

Media Contact

Dan Chapman
Assoc. Director, Communications, Nielsen APAC
dan.chapman@nielsen.com
+61 404 088 462

The post New Zealand’s top 20 highest spending advertisers of 2023 revealed in latest Nielsen Ad Intel report appeared first on Nielsen.

NEW YORK – March 21, 2024 – Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, and Lyft have announced a new agreement for measurement of Lyft’s in-app advertisements through Lyft Media. 

As part of the deal, Lyft will leverage three measurement solutions to measure audience along with brand and sales lift performance for their advertisers’ campaigns: Nielsen ONE Ads, Brand Impact and Buyer Lift.

The combination of these solutions enables a unique view of how reach, brand metrics and sales lift solutions work together to inform comprehensive media strategies and overall full-funnel performance of advertising campaigns. These powerful insights enhance reach and frequency metrics to demonstrate campaign impact on brand and sales.

“As we navigate the advertising landscape with Lyft Media, it is important to us that our advertisers understand the impact their in-app ads have on their overall campaigns,” said Shane Dwyer, Lyft Media, Head of Sales. “Combining Nielsen ONE Ads, Brand Impact, and Buyer Lift solutions offers our advertisers valuable insight into their campaigns’ performance, helping them exceed their campaign objectives.”

“Leveraging Nielsen One Ads in conjunction with Nielsen Brand Impact solutions unlocks comprehensive insights for advertisers previously not available in the marketplace,” said Ameneh Atai, GM, Audience Measurement. “Lyft Media advertisers will see in real time how reach and frequency metrics can influence brand KPIs, powering actionable insights to guide more informed campaign strategy going forward.”

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).

About Lyft

Lyft is one of the largest transportation networks in North America, bringing together rideshare, bikes, and scooters all in one app. We are customer-obsessed and driven by our purpose: getting riders out into the world so they can live their lives together, and providing drivers opportunities to control their time and money.

The post Lyft taps Nielsen to Drive Advertising Insights appeared first on Nielsen.

As Global Chief Engineering Officer, Goel will lead Nielsen’s technology and engineering teams to drive product innovation and advanced technology adoption, working in close partnership with Nielsen’s product teams. He will drive Nielsen’s adoption of automation and AI at an accelerated rate to de-risk delivery, improve customer experience and strengthen Nielsen’s products.

Goel is based in Bengaluru, India and will report to Karthik Rao, Nielsen’s CEO.

“I’m thrilled to lead the innovation and adoption of advanced technologies as Nielsen’s Chief Engineering Officer,” said Goel. “The adoption of advanced technology is a critical component for Nielsen to become the world leader in measurement and currency for streaming, and I’m honored to lead us into the future.” 

“The measurement industry is evolving rapidly, and as we look to grow in streaming and lead the advance of Convergent TV as the currency in media measurement, we must strengthen our technology roadmap to align with our vision,” said Karthik Rao, CEO of Nielsen. “Anil has the vision and experience to lead Nielsen’s technology innovation to power a better media future for all people.”

Goel is a highly accomplished technology leader with a proven track record in building technology products and infrastructure to drive revenue growth. He has over 20 years of experience leading technology teams at global organizations, including Amazon.com, where he served as Chief Technology Officer for the Customer Returns business. Most recently, Anil led the technology strategy, architecture, development and operations at Byju’s Group, a global educational technology company with a vast portfolio, including the Epic! and Osmo learning platforms. 

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).

Media Contact

Landon Oakum
landon.oakum@nielsen.com

The post Anil Goel Named Chief Engineering Officer of Nielsen appeared first on Nielsen.

NEW YORK – March 13, 2024 – Gracenote, a Nielsen company, is helping TV providers optimize their user experiences by providing the most accurate, up-to-date and comprehensive datasets covering subscription video on-demand (SVOD) and linear (FAST) content availability. The Gracenote solutions pair TV, movie and sports programming availability data with normalized program metadata to ensure that streaming aggregators, digital platforms and MVPDs offer content-first user experiences that facilitate universal search, discovery and tune-in capabilities to drive maximum audience engagement.

According to Nielsen’s State of Play report, 20% of consumers say they abandon a viewing session when they can’t find something compelling to watch. With content frequently moving between providers, a blockbuster movie that is available on a VOD platform one day could be gone the next. Different streaming services may feature different seasons or individual episodes of a popular TV show hampering seamless viewing experiences. Accelerating fragmentation among live sports rights makes finding a single game difficult and following a team throughout a full season nearly impossible. 

While the streaming age has brought compelling content and on-demand access to consumers, it has also brought frustration among viewers unable to find what they’re looking for. To address the fragmented viewing experience, Gracenote has launched three primary offerings in its Availability solution that can help video providers put compelling content first and solve common “where, when and how to watch” as well as “take me to watch” use cases. 

Together, these offerings enable customers to address consumer pain points, deliver improved user experiences and drive better monetization: 

• Streaming Sports Catalogs – Highly accurate availability data, viewing options and deep links plus normalized metadata for live sports events helping CTV and digital customers point fans to games no matter what streaming service they’re on 
• Streaming Video Catalogs – The industry’s most comprehensive and up-to-date TV program and movie availability data, viewing options, deep links and normalized metadata helping connect viewers to the entertainment content they want across various services
• FAST / Streaming Channels – High-quality normalized metadata for nearly 2,000 linear channels worldwide helping digital platforms launch FAST offerings more quickly and easily than ever

“As the entertainment ecosystem continues to evolve, a massive opportunity exists to drive the next iteration of streaming,” said Trent Wheeler, Chief Product Officer at Gracenote. “For it to reach its full potential as a channel, streaming needs to deliver better user experiences enabled by search and discovery of all content – TV, movies and live sports – wherever it’s available. With our unmatched availability and program metadata, Gracenote is uniquely positioned to help customers drive success in streaming now and into the future.”

Gracenote has a long history of powering the user experiences of the world’s biggest and most innovative TV providers since 1965. The company’s industry-leading program metadata, imagery and ID offerings which have been integral to linear EPGs are now fueling the next generation of streaming service UIs and CTV home screens that seamlessly connect viewers to the content they’re most interested in. As the entertainment industry continues its evolution, Gracenote is transforming its offerings in step to ensure customers can effectively leverage programming to maximize engagement and monetization.

Gracenote is the content solutions business unit of Nielsen, providing entertainment metadata, content IDs and related offerings to the world’s leading creators, distributors and platforms. Gracenote technology enables advanced content navigation and discovery capabilities helping individuals to easily connect to the TV shows, movies, music and sports they love while delivering powerful content analytics making complex business decisions simpler.

Media Contact

Mark Yamada
mark.yamada@nielsen.com

The post Gracenote Resolves Viewer Frustration Around Where, When and How to Watch Streaming Programming appeared first on Nielsen.

Of the 32.2 million viewers that watched the 2024 State of the Union address: 

• 5% of viewers were aged 18-34.
• 19% of viewers were aged 35-54.
• 74% of viewers were aged 55 and older. 
• 56% watched broadcast network coverage.
• 44% watched coverage on cable networks.

Viewership of the 2024 State of the Union address was 18% higher than last year’s 27.3 million viewers. It stands as the second-largest audience since President Biden gave his first address to a Joint Session of Congress in 2021, behind the 38.2 million viewers that watched in 2022. 

The 2024 State of the Union address aired live on 14 television networks reported by Nielsen, from approximately 9:26 p.m. to 10:33 p.m. EDT. 

Below is a summary of average viewership aggregated across indicated networks. The data is inclusive of U.S. audiences only.

Source: Nielsen. NNTV, Live+Same-Day.

Data in this table is inclusive of broadcast and cable networks that aired the event, in addition to PBS. 
2024 reported networks include: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Telemundo, Univision, PBS, CNN, CNNe, FOX Business, FOX News Channel, MSNBC, NewsMax, NewsNation

Total summary projections are expressed in units, rounded to the nearest thousand (000).

NOTE: Audience estimates are inclusive of out-of-home viewing, with the exception of PBS which does not include out-of-home contributions.

Source: Nielsen

Time-shifted viewing (Live+Same-Day, 3am-3am) is included in audience estimates in this table for years 2006 and later. Estimates prior to 2006 include live viewing only. 

* Single asterisks denote addresses that were officially “Addresses to Joint Sessions of Congress.” 

^ Denotes tape-delayed coverage by a particular network. 

** 1/23/07: coverage of asterisked (**) networks went beyond a common end time. Measurement of these networks included SOTU address and commentary. Does not include Democratic Response.

Press Contact

Lauren Pabst 
lauren.pabst@nielsen.com

The post 2024 State of the Union Address Draws Over 32 Million Viewers appeared first on Nielsen.

The CMV insights, which take a deep dive into the social concerns among different Australian female demographics, highlighted domestic violence and mental health as the most pressing social issues concerning the nation’s women – ranking higher than other significant concerns, like education, health, and economic growth.

Analysis of the research also showed a strong link between lifestyle, community engagement, and the level of concern Australian women have about domestic violence.

According to the data, women who name domestic violence as their biggest social concern were 17% less likely to have taken part in sport over the last 12 months, and 22% less likely to have socialised over a drink, or visited a bar or club in the last month.

Additionally they skewed heavily towards more solitary activities, like reading and cooking, as opposed to community or group activities.

Nielsen Pacific MD, Monique Perry said: “Our latest findings highlight a significant concern among Australian women regarding domestic violence and mental health.

This valuable data underscores the importance of community engagement and support networks in addressing the challenges faced by women concerned with these issues and strongly suggests that regular ties to community groups, sports teams, and other social activities can provide a vital support network for women during challenging times.”

Nielsen Consumer & Media View Pacific Lead, Sonia Marine added: “These Nielsen CMV insights demonstrate the importance of understanding communities and groups so policymakers and organisations can create better support systems and develop inclusive programs that address the concerns of at-risk groups. The data highlights that engaging in community activities and building supportive networks can have a significant positive impact on women in need.”

About Nielsen Consumer & Media View

Nielsen Consumer & Media View, with its extensive breadth and depth of data, lets you access consumer research that is vital to achieving strong business and marketing goals.

Nielsen Consumer & Media View is an essential tool for understanding the constantly evolving consumer landscape. With rich demographic and lifestyle data, and information on purchasing behaviours and intentions alongside extensive media habit reporting, Consumer & Media View helps you shape successful brand, advertising and marketing strategies.

Consumer & Media View provides an invaluable resource for identifying priority audiences to inform the planning, buying, or selling of advertising media, to inform business and consumer strategies, and to build a comprehensive market/category landscape view.

About Nielsen

About Nielsen
Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviours across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences – now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. 

Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram). 

Media Contact

Dan Chapman
Assoc Director, Communications, Nielsen APAC
dan.chapman@nielsen.com
+61 404 088 462

The post Domestic violence and mental health most pressing social issues for Australian women according to Nielsen research appeared first on Nielsen.

•     Oppenheimer is the first “powerful” Best Picture winner since the ‘uplifting’ (and ‘poignant’) Green Book five years ago. It is the ninth “powerful” winner this century. The only other level 1 Gracenote mood with more than three winners in the 21st century is “emotional”, with seven.

•     Fifteen of the 25 films to win Best Picture in the 21st century have been primarily “powerful”, “emotional” or both according to Gracenote’s analysis.

•     The 1940s is the only full decade in the history of the Academy Awards without a “powerful” winner of Best Picture.

•     According to Gracenote’s mood taxonomy, “emotional” films are the second most successful in the Best Picture category with 22 winners, most recently CODA two years ago. “Tense” movies are third with 15 winners, but none since 2013, followed by “fun” with 13.

•     Gladiator (2001), A Beautiful Mind (2002), Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2004), Slumdog Millionaire (2009), The Hurt Locker (2010), The King’s Speech (2011), Spotlight (2016) and Green Book (2019) are the previous “powerful” Best Picture Oscar winners of the 21st century.

•     Oppenheimer’s “powerful” moods are ‘gripping’ and ‘epic’. The nine previous Best Picture Oscar winners whose most important moods included ‘gripping’ are Cavalcade (1934), From Here To Eternity (1954), The Bridge On The River Kwai (1958), A Man For All Seasons (1967), Midnight Cowboy (1970), Patton (1971), Gladiator (2001), The Hurt Locker (2010) and Spotlight (2016).

•     The five previous ‘epic’ Best Picture Oscar winners are The Bridge On The River Kwai (1958), Ben-Hur (1960), Lawrence Of Arabia (1963), Dances With Wolves (1991) and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2004).

•     Oppenheimer is also ‘contemplative’, ‘tense’ and ‘bold’ according to Gracenote’s classification of the film’s less important moods. Gracenote’s video descriptors identify All About Eve (1951), No Country For Old Men (2008) and Parasite (2020) as previous ‘contemplative’ Best Picture Oscar winners. All About Eve and Parasite are both ‘contemplative’ and ‘tense’. Lawrence of Arabia (1963)and Braveheart (1996) included ‘bold’ amongst their most important moods

Note: Sensual is not included in the chart above as no Best Picture nominee has ever had a primary mood which falls into the sensual group. 

About Gracenote Video Descriptors

Gracenote Video Descriptors, part of Gracenote’s Advanced Discovery suite of offerings, provides hierarchical, rich descriptors with a structured global taxonomy applied across content. The taxonomy provides descriptors across mood, theme, scenario, character and topic, enabling you to connect audiences with fresh and relevant content aligning with their preferences – increasing viewer satisfaction, engagement and retention on your service.
Go beyond genre – Gracenote Video Descriptors provide a multidimensional content classification system. Structured hierarchically and curated by Gracenote’s world-class editorial team, Gracenote Video Descriptors facilitate deeper correlations between content, enabling nuanced discovery surfacing unexpected content, solutions to zero-search results and many more. For more information: https://www.nielsen.com/solutions/content-metadata/video-descriptors

About Gracenote

Gracenote is the content solutions business unit of Nielsen providing entertainment metadata, content IDs and related offerings to the world’s leading creators, distributors and platforms. Gracenote technology enables advanced content navigation and discovery capabilities ensuring consumers can easily connect to the music, TV shows, movies and sports they love while delivering powerful content analytics making complex business decisions simpler.

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).

Media Contact

Simon Gleave

simon.gleave@nielsen.com

The post Oppenheimer is the 24th “powerful” Best Picture Oscar winner appeared first on Nielsen.

As Global Chief People Officer, Marzicola will lead Nielsen’s Global HR function, and will oversee talent initiatives that engage employees, connect back to strategic priorities and ultimately drive company growth. This is inclusive of Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Benefits, Learning and Development, HR Operations and Reporting, as well as Nielsen’s core HR business support function. 

Marzicola will report to Karthik Rao, Nielsen’s CEO.

“I’m delighted to join Nielsen as the Chief People Officer in this new era of transformation and growth for the company,” said Marzicola. “I look forward to working with Karthik and the entire leadership team to continue cultivating Nielsen’s culture and uniting our global employees around our ambitious goals.”

“Nicolina will play a crucial role in our ability to operate with greater agility by transforming where and how Nielsen works,” said Karthik Rao, CEO of Nielsen. “I’m confident that her years of human resources experience will instill in our organization a shared sense of purpose as we drive toward our bold vision for the future.”

Marzicola brings Nielsen decades of vast knowledge and experience in helping global organizations navigate complex business transformations. Most recently, she led broad people and talent management strategies at HP Inc. 

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).

Media Contact

Sarah Muratore
sarah.muratore@nielsen.com

The post Nicolina Marzicola Named Chief People Officer of Nielsen appeared first on Nielsen.