Nielsen will end radio and television ratings service in Puerto Rico later this year. The move affects a market of roughly 3.2 million residents.
What We Know: Nielsen informed clients that it will discontinue both its audio and television measurement services in Puerto Rico later in 2026. The company has operated on the island for more than 15 years, but subscriber participation has dwindled. Only five companies currently subscribe to Nielsen’s audio ratings service. Moreover, subscribed stations account for only about 20% of total radio listening on the island, limiting the ratings system’s reach and value for advertisers and broadcasters.
The shutdown will leave Puerto Rico without Nielsen’s traditional currency for buying and selling radio and TV advertising. Broadcasters will now need to explore alternative audience measurement options or develop local solutions.
What They Said: “As a global organization, we must continuously evaluate how we deploy our resources across all regions. For over 15 years, we have had the privilege of working with our clients, and we are deeply grateful to them, our local team, partners, and the broader industry community for their commitment. As we carry out this transition, we are fully committed to doing so with care and responsibility — ensuring that the interests of the industry remain supported. We will work alongside local stakeholders throughout this process to facilitate a thoughtful and orderly handover.” -Nielsen statement
What Remains Unclear: Nielsen hasn’t announced a specific shutdown date. The company also hasn’t said whether any local organization will assume measurement responsibilities after the transition.
What It Means: The decision marks a significant shift for Puerto Rico’s media industry. Nielsen ratings have long served as the primary audience currency for radio and television advertising. Without that benchmark, broadcasters may face new challenges demonstrating audience size and value to advertisers, while agencies could struggle to compare stations and television outlets using a consistent measurement standard.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.