NBCUniversal Cable Networks to Shift to Live-Plus-Three Data #TCA15

Related: Complete Coverage of TCA Winter Press Tour

Pasadena, Calif. — NBCUniversal Cable networks will report only live-plus-three data, NBCU Cable Entertainment announced Thursday during the TCA winter press tour.

“Increasingly, Live+3 metrics are a more accurate reflection of the performance, appeal and reach of our networks’ original programs,” said Liz Mahaffey, executive VP, brand strategy for NBCU Cable Entertainment Group. “Considering ever-growing use of DVR, VOD, digital and other non-linear viewing options, L+SD is merely a chapter in a much larger and more diverse ratings story.”

The shift, which is effective immediately, includes all NBCU Cable properties, including Bravo, E!, Esquire Network, Oxygen, Sprout, Syfy and USA.

Live-plus-same-day measurements will continue to be used for live sports/entertainment, specials and event programming.

NBCU Cable joins FX, HBO and Showtime in the shift away from live-plus-same-day reporting. HBO was the most recent of which to make the move, officially abandoning live-plus-same-day on Jan. 1, 2015. 

FX made the jump last July. 

“We believe that the only real relevance of live or live-plus-same day data is for sports, news and live events,” said Julie Piepenkotter, executive VP of research for FX Networks, during the TCA summer 2014 press tour.

Jessika Walsten

Jessika is an analyst for TVREV and Fabric Media. She previously served in various roles at Broadcasting + Cable, Multichannel News and NextTV, working with the brands since 2013. A graduate of USC Annenberg, Jessika has edited and reported on a variety of subjects in the media and entertainment space, including profiles on industry leaders and breaking news.