Paramount and Nielsen Clash Over Contract Renewal Amid VP Debate

Paramount Global and Nielsen face a contract impasse over pricing, affecting CBS News' ability to measure viewership for the vice presidential debate.

• Paramount Global's contract with Nielsen expired as of 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday, leading to a dispute over pricing and measurement methods.
• Paramount will use VideoAmp, an alternative audience measurement service, in place of Nielsen for now.
• The vice presidential debate between Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. J.D. Vance will still be aired on CBS and other networks, but CBS may not provide full viewership data.
• Paramount criticizes Nielsen for high fees and outdated measurement models, while Nielsen expresses willingness to negotiate a new agreement.
• The dispute occurs as Paramount prepares for a multi-currency future and faces significant cost-cutting pressures, including an upcoming acquisition by Skydance Media.

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