Nielsen launches critical planning guide for media industry

Nielsen, a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics, unveiled its 2025 Upfront/NewFront Guide, a vital resource for media buyers and sellers preparing for the upcoming 2025-2026 Upfronts/NewFronts planning season. This guide offers essential cross-media data and audience insights to navigate today’s complex advertising landscape confidently.

Americans continue to spend a significant amount of time with media—devoting 70 hours a week (or 10 hours a day) across linear TV, CTV, radio, smartphones, tablets and computers in the first quarter of 2024. While smartphone use has grown over 44% in a two-year span, TV continues to represent about half of Americans’ total media time. As media buyers and sellers plan for the year ahead, understanding trends across media are critical to optimize budgets and make smarter decisions during this year’s Upfront/NewFront negotiations.

Key trends highlighted in the 2025 Upfront/NewFront guide include:

1. Converging TV landscape

The lines between linear and streaming are blurring, with both playing significant roles in audience engagement. Supporting insights reveal that 88% of U.S. viewers across all ages engage with TV monthly, with streaming accounting for 41% of total TV time as of October 2024.

2. Advanced audience profiles 

Marketers can enhance targeting strategies by leveraging nuanced data that goes beyond traditional demographics. “Behind the data, there are people in front of screens. Advanced Audience data can help you reach these people with the right message,” said Pete Doe, Chief Data and Research Officer at Nielsen. 

3. Navigating advertising complexity Understanding digital trends is crucial for making informed decisions in a fragmented media environment. “With rising ad spend and an evolving media landscape, strong competitive intelligence is now essential for staying ahead and making data driven-decisions,” said Akhil Parekh, Chief Solutions Officer for Digital Products at Nielsen.

What this means for media buyers and sellers

The cross-media insights and trends featured in this report are designed to help media buyers and sellers feel confident in the year ahead. With the right comparable metrics, media buyers can collaborate with partners to leverage both linear TV and streaming, while sellers are able to position their offerings uniquely to stand out.

Unlock in-depth insights and strategies by reading the full guide. Visit nielsen.com to access the 2025 Upfront/NewFront Guide today!

About Nielsen

Nielsen shapes the world’s media and content as a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through our understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, we empower our clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen operates around the world in more than 55 countries. Learn more at www.nielsen.com and connect with us on social media  (X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram).