Will all television shows broadcast or rebroadcast on streaming services count in ratings now? Nielsen may be headed that way.

According to Reuters, programming on Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV that have the same commercials when the program aired on television, “will be included in Nielsen’s ratings no matter the device or whether it was viewed live or on DVR.”

Photo: Shutterstock
Photo: Shutterstock

Nielsen’s Executive Vice President of product leadership Megan Clarken said it’s important for them to take into account these digital players as people increasingly “cut the cord.”

“This is a big one for the industry. We’re following viewers across platforms,” said Clarken.

Nielsen will record all digital viewing that occurs within a three or seven-day window of when that show first aired into its C3, C7 currency, which is what advertisers use to buy ad time.  w

Launched in April, YouTube TV will let its subscribers stream live TV from networks like ABC and ESPN. Hulu Live TV, which launched in May, streams channels like HGTV and Food Network.