Archive · 3 Sep 2025
NFL Criticizes Nielsen Ratings System, Citing Inaccuracy
The NFL is saying that the company that counts how many people watch TV, Nielsen, isn't doing a very good job, especially for big games like the Super Bowl.
The NFL thinks Nielsen is missing millions of viewers because of how they figure out how many people are watching on one TV.
Nielsen uses a formula, but the NFL believes this formula is wrong and undercounts viewers.
Nielsen is trying to fix this problem by using a new system, but it may take longer to get the correct numbers.
The NFL's Paul Ballew criticized Nielsen's TV ratings on Tuesday.
The NFL alleges Nielsen undercounts viewership, particularly for 'tentpole' events.
Ballew stated the NFL disagrees with Nielsen's methodology for calculating co-viewing numbers.
The discrepancy could mean as many as 15 to 20 million extra viewers for the Super Bowl.
Nielsen has launched a new measurement system but progress is slow, according to the NFL.
- Who
- Paul Ballew of the NFL and Nielsen
- What
- NFL criticized Nielsen's ratings, accusing it of undercounting viewership.
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- N/A
- Why
- NFL believes Nielsen's methodology inaccurately reflects the audience size.
- Key Figure
- Paul Ballew, NFL Chief Data & Analytics Officer
- Subject
- Nielsen's TV ratings methodology
- Issue
- Alleged undercounting of NFL viewership
- NFL's Claim
- Nielsen uses an inaccurate co-viewing factor
- Discrepancy
- NFL believes millions of viewers are unreported
- Nielsen's Response
- Launched a new measurement system this fall