Nielsen Says It Is Examining Its Operations in Russia

The Russian presidential flag flying in Moscow
(Image credit: kolderal/Getty Images)

Nielsen said it is examining its operations in Russia at a time when several media companies have elected to shut down their activities there.

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“Due to the escalating situation in Russia and Ukraine, Nielsen is actively working with its clients and vendors in Russia to pause new business and evaluating a plan for its existing operations in Russia,” Nielsen said in a statement.

Nielsen declined to elaborate on what was still operating in Russia. The company says it does not measure state-controlled media in the country.

On Wednesday, Discovery said it was suspending broadcasts of its channels in Russia.

Last week, CNN, Bloomberg and the BBC pulled their signals in Russia, citing new laws that make independent reporting a possible crime.

Meanwhile, one-quarter of the companies that advertise in Russia either suspended or reduced their media spending in that country following its invasion of Ukraine, according to a survey conducted by the Association of National Advertisers.

Also, the National Association of Broadcasters called on its members not to carry any state-sponsored programming tied to Russia. ■

Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.