Lionsgate and Nielsen Bring Nielsen Measurement to the Fast Space

Global content leader Lionsgate and Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, announced today that the two companies are bringing traditional linear TV metrics to the free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) space, an industry first.

The ground-breaking deal has enabled MovieSphere by Lionsgate, the only premium global movie channel offered by a major studio, to become the first major FAST channel to be measured by Nielsen, reporting channel viewership in the same measurement used by traditional TV ad buyers. The channel is available on 18 streaming platforms, including Samsung, Roku and Pluto TV, and it will be available on nearly 20 platforms before the end of the year. MovieSphere will receive detailed demographic data on its audience, allowing them to better understand their viewers and make informed content decisions. 

Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer said,

“By bringing proven linear TV metrics to the FAST space, Nielsen is providing us with a valuable and innovative tool to benchmark performance, evaluate what’s working and respond quickly to our audiences,” 
“This is potentially a very significant development where our team can leverage viewer reach, duration, frequency, concentration and other audience indicators to help us shape our branded, general entertainment channels to better return value for our partners.” 

Amilcar Perez, Chief Revenue Officer, Nielsen said,

“With more channels and choices than ever before, Nielsen is highly focused on innovating to ensure our measurement helps clients understand what and where people are watching. The FAST market is growing rapidly, demanding more solutions to understand how people are engaging with FAST channels,” 
“We’re pleased to collaborate with Lionsgate, a leader in the FAST market, to bring more clarity and efficiency to FAST players.”

MovieSphere by Lionsgate has experienced incredible growth, with viewership up 87% year-over-year in the first quarter of this year. With approximately 123 average minutes watched per viewer in its first month of measurement using this tool, MovieSphere is comparable with leading basic cable networks, according to data provided by Nielsen. 

MovieSphere by Lionsgate brings fan favorite films from Lionsgate’s acclaimed library together into one free streaming channel, offering everything from blockbuster hits to indie favorites.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate encompasses world-class motion picture and television studio operations and the STARZ premium global subscription platform, bringing a unique and varied portfolio of entertainment to consumers around the world. The Company’s film, television, subscription and location-based entertainment businesses are backed by a more than 20,000-title library and a valuable collection of iconic film and television franchises. A digital age company driven by its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to innovation, the Lionsgate brand is synonymous with bold, original, relatable entertainment for audiences worldwide. 

About Lionsgate Studios

Lionsgate Studios is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly-traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by Lionsgate’s bold and entrepreneurial culture.

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram).