I spent close to two decades at Nielsen before my "demise." The one thing I could say for Nielsen during all those years was the company was NOT going to go under! Lol. So many companies out there hang on by a string - and that's some real stress for employees. I've been involved in the ad measurement game since the early 90s (even while in college). The demise of Nielsen has been predicted for years but never really happens. This article is prob the best I've read out there explaining why. Well worth the half hour read if you're still in the biz or just an outside over the hill observer like myself. Enjoy https://new.adotat.com/p/the-nielsen-bonfire-who-s-holding-the-match
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Clayton County,GA
The "Plantation Guy" would say:
Georgia, Georgia The whole day through (the whole day through)
Just an old sweet song Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)
I think some of you are reading past the headline I wrote (Nielsen isn't dead) and not reading the actual substance of the article. Like I said, I'm former Nielsen. I have ZERO empathy from those s-b's, especially Dave Calhoun and Habib. I watched them rip apart the company in the 2000s for their own personal greed. HOWEVER...the article touches on something that no competitor to Nielsen has ever been able to crack...the fact that Nielsen has 70 years of entrenchment in the entire TV buying and selling ecosystem. As much as we whine about the data, cr-ppy managers, bla bla bla...your avg. Nielsen end user/client doesn't. They have their own set of issues. And to be honest, as flawed as the Nielsen data may be...it's still streamlined into all software systems and processes. That's why, as the article states, Nielsen data accounts for 90% of all transactions in the businesss. These upstarts don't come close and likely never will.
@OP What a plant of an article and a note, not surprising. Public posts about decline, disappointing clients, toxic workplace, worst leadership... Bad for going public or selling the business. There will be more such articles and links planted around.
The "Plantation Guy" would say: Clayton County, GA!
Nielsen is in rapid decline. Clients are angry. Even the NFL......
Key Aspects of the NFL-Nielsen Dispute (As of 2025-2026):
The Accusation: Paul Ballew, NFL Chief Data and Analytics Officer, stated that Nielsen is undercounting millions of viewers for "tentpole" events, including Thanksgiving and Super Bowl games.
Methodology Concerns: The NFL finds Nielsen's "co-viewing factor" inadequate, noting that while Nielsen uses a 2.3–2.4 ratio, actual viewership for high-profile, group-viewed games is likely higher.
Impact on Revenue: Lower, inaccurate ratings directly affect the league's negotiations for media rights and the advertising income of its partners.
Alternative Solutions: The NFL is exploring alternative measurement options, including VideoAmp, to supplement or replace Nielsen data.
I love this for Nielsen!!