Multiple media trade publications are reporting that Nielsen plans to discontinue its radio and television audience-measurement services in Puerto Rico at the end of 2026.
As of July 24, Nielsen had not issued a public announcement confirming the reported decision or explaining its reasoning. Radio News Now has not independently reviewed the reported notice sent to Nielsen’s Puerto Rico clients.
TVboricuaUSA reports that Nielsen informed local television stations, radio broadcasters and advertising agencies that December 26 would be its final day of operations on the island. HispanicAd publisher Gene Bryan, who also serves as Chief Revenue Officer of Spanish Broadcasting System, warned that Puerto Rico could enter 2027 without a universally accepted ratings currency.
This is not a small or insignificant radio market. Nielsen’s Fall 2025 rankings placed Puerto Rico at No. 17, with an estimated 2.93 million people age 12 and older—larger than Denver, San Diego and Charlotte.
The biggest unanswered question is why Nielsen reportedly plans to leave.
Are too few radio and television stations and outlets purchasing the service? Has subscription revenue fallen below the cost of recruiting participants, maintaining the audience panel and producing the research? Could a new financial commitment from broadcasters, agencies and advertisers persuade Nielsen to reconsider?
Those questions are reasonable, but none has been answered publicly.
The reported decision follows a dispute involving TeleOnce, which requested an audit of Nielsen’s Puerto Rico methodology and temporarily withdrew from the ratings panel earlier this year before returning. Whether that dispute, subscriber participation, operating costs or another business consideration influenced Nielsen’s reported decision remains unknown.
The consequences could extend far beyond Puerto Rico’s broadcasters. Advertising agencies need independent data to compare stations and defend their buying decisions. Without a common measurement system, some advertising dollars might not move to another Puerto Rico station—they could leave local media altogether.
Public attention could help force the necessary conversation among Nielsen, broadcasters, advertising agencies and advertisers. If the market can demonstrate sufficient financial and industry support, there may still be time to preserve Nielsen measurement or establish an orderly transition to another qualified provider.
Radio News Now will update this developing story if Nielsen confirms the decision, explains its reasoning, or announces transition plans.