Lionsgate And Nielsen Extend Deal To Combine FAST Channel And Digital Network Measurement

Nielsen and Lionsgate have broadened their partnership to deliver what they say is the first combined measurement of a major FAST channel alongside a digital broadcast network, covering Lionsgate's MovieSphere FAST service and Debmar-Mercury's newly launched MovieSphere Gold.

Under the expanded arrangement, Lionsgate becomes the first company to have both a flagship FAST channel and a digital network measured by Nielsen. MovieSphere Gold, billed as the first contemporary all‑movie digital network, is available in more than 30 million homes.

Starting next month, Nielsen will report viewing across nearly 130 local TV markets by bringing together MovieSphere’s FAST audience with MovieSphere Gold’s over‑the‑air local affiliate ratings. The aim is to equip Lionsgate with market-level insight to refine audience strategy, strengthen affiliate partnerships and accelerate growth.

"Nielsen's new measurement capability will give us a comprehensive view of our audience across traditional and OTA local affiliates via more than 170 stations nationwide for the first time, giving us a major competitive advantage and fueling the growth of MovieSphere Gold," said Derek Turk, SVP of Ratings & Research, Lionsgate.

"Our leading streaming technology makes us uniquely capable of providing FAST channel measurement for companies like Lionsgate that are strategically expanding their offerings across different channels. As more viewers are embracing ad-supported streaming, we’re proud to provide the industry with the data and insights they need to understand and expand their audiences," said Amilcar Perez, Chief Revenue Officer at Nielsen.

Nielsen data indicates FAST now accounts for 6.8% of total TV viewing—an increase of more than 400% over the past four Septembers—underscoring the growing importance of ad-supported streaming in the TV landscape.

www.nielsen.com