What's Happening?
SAG-AFTRA has renewed its contract with Nielsen to provide third-party streaming data and analytics. This partnership aims to verify viewership numbers provided by major Hollywood studios and ensure transparency in streaming performance data. The actors union, which comprises 160,000 members, has been utilizing Nielsen's streaming content ratings service since 2023. The renewed contract includes provisions for studios to share performance data with the guilds and offer bonuses for titles that exceed certain audience thresholds. Nielsen's insights serve as an objective source to compare data against, aiding SAG-AFTRA in enforcing contract provisions and strengthening negotiation tactics.
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Why It's Important?
The renewal of the contract with Nielsen is significant for SAG-AFTRA as it provides a reliable source of data to ensure fair compensation for actors based on streaming performance. This partnership helps maintain transparency in an industry where studios have historically kept streaming data private. The streaming performance bonus provision, fought for by SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, is crucial for actors' residual payments. Titles that surpass viewership thresholds trigger payments to performers, with a portion allocated to a fund for union members. This deal underscores the importance of accurate data in negotiations and contract enforcement.
What's Next?
SAG-AFTRA is expected to use the insights gained from Nielsen in upcoming negotiations for the 2026 TV/Theatrical contract. The union will likely continue to push for transparency and fair compensation based on streaming performance. As the industry evolves, SAG-AFTRA may seek to expand the metrics tracked and refine the criteria for performance bonuses. The establishment and distribution of the fund for union members remain areas for further clarification and development. The ongoing partnership with Nielsen will be integral to these efforts, ensuring that SAG-AFTRA can effectively advocate for its members.
