The original post: /r/television by /u/ChiefLeef22 on 2026-03-13 19:09:22+00:00.
The viewership for streaming keeps growing and growing — or does it?
The next edition of “The Gauge,” a monthly snapshot from Nielsen that purports to examine all broadcast, cable and streaming consumption that occurs through a television screen, will be delayed by a week or after Nielsen revealed to clients that the research was likely to reveal a downturn in streaming audiences. That dynamic spurred some handwringing among many of the new-tech companies, according to three people familiar with the matter, that have seen their fortunes soar as they reel in scads of new broadband viewers.
At issue, says Nielsen, is the implementation earlier this year of new data that shows how U.S. households connect to and consume TV, use video-capable digital devices, and interact with and share streaming media and ecommerce accounts. The research, known as DASH, is a syndicated study fielded in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, a polling firm. Nielsen had previously informed clients that its use of the data could result in a one-time expansion of the number of households, or “universe,” watching cable and broadcast TV, and a potential diminution of the overall audience watching streaming.
“When we began our standard monthly Gauge previews with clients this week, some clients requested additional data around DASH implementation. We will be providing them with that information,” Nielsen said in a statement provided to Variety. As a result, we are delaying the release of The Gauge one week to coincide with The Media Distributor Gauge release on March 24. We believe this will enable a smoother transition and give clients and the industry a better holistic view of February viewing.”