Lionsgate’s MovieSphere Becomes First Major FAST Channel To Be Measured By Nielsen

Anthony D'Alessandro

4 June 2024 at 1:00 pm·2-min read

Lionsgate’s MovieSphere channel will become the first major FAST (free ad supported streaming) channel to be measured by Nielsen.

Nielsen will report channel viewership in the same measurement used by traditional TV ad buyers. MovieSphere 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. The channel includes titles from Lionsgate’s library from blockbusters to indie films.

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MovieSphere will receive detailed demographic data on its audience with further clarity on viewership in relation to programming.

“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,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer. “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.”

“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,” said Amilcar Perez, Chief Revenue Officer, Nielsen. “We’re pleased to collaborate with Lionsgate, a leader in the FAST market, to bring more clarity and efficiency to FAST players.”

MovieSphere’s viewership is up 87% year-over-year in Q1 2024. 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.

The growth rate of free, ad-supported streaming television [FAST] is slowing in the U.S., but a new report has still identified 1,943 unique offerings.

Gavin Bridge, a longtime researcher and writer focused on FAST, recently reported that the medium counts 1,943 unique offerings. The overall tally of FAST channels rose 13% in May 2024 vs. May 2023. Movies are an increasingly popular focus in FAST, with the category growing 50% year-over-year to reach 236. Channels with a mix of genres are the most popular, the report said, with Lionsgate’s MovieSphere one prominent example.

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