MAM
Nielsen gives US ad clients direct access to minute by minute ratings data
MUMBAI: Nielsen Media Research in the US has announced that, for the first time in its history of measuring television audiences, it is making available via an electronic file its entire database of ratings information from the National People Meter sample.
This new weekly file provides clients direct access to all ratings information at the minute-by-minute level with commercial minutes identified. The move by Nielsen is in response to media, advertising and agency clients who, faced with fragmented television audiences and hundred of channels, need greater access to more granular levels of persons’ viewing data to buy, sell, promote and analyse viewing information.
Through this new service, Nielsen says that it is enabling subscribing clients – as well as authourised third-party processors of data, representing some 70 additional companies – to download this huge data file directly into their own software systems for their own analytical purposes. With the release of this file, clients now have additional options and much more flexibility in accessing this very granular data. Nielsen’s own software system NPower will continue to provide clients with access to these minute-by-minute ratings.
Nielsen Media Research president and CEO, Susan D. Whiting, says, “With this unprecedented move, Nielsen Media Research, has responded to a marketplace need and fulfilled a commitment we made to our national clients. As television distribution and programming choices become increasingly complex, there is an urgent need for detailed viewing information. Our goal is to offer our clients greater choice in the research tools they can use to buy, sell, evaluate, promote and analyze commercial television in the United States.”
Association of National Advertisers president and CEO, Bob Liodice, says, “Marketing accountability is one of the top priorities for ANA members. This push to gain granular visibility and understanding of commercial vs. program ratings is critical for the accuracy of media measurement in the US. While advancements in video technology continue to challenge our industry’s ability to fully understand television viewing behaviour, Nielsen has taken a significant step in the right direction.”
Nielsen Media Research provides television audience measurement and advertising information services. In the US, Nielsen’s National People Meter service provides audience estimates for all national programme sources, including broadcast networks, cable networks, Spanish language networks, and national syndicators. Local ratings estimates are produced for television stations, regional cable networks, MSOs, cable interconnects, and Spanish language stations in each of the 210 television markets in the US.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
