I put "numbers-based" in quotes because, ever since the pandemic, the ground beneath us has shifted. Between the constant, confusing changes to Nielsen's base measurement systems, like the transition to "Big Data + Panel" metrics and the addition of out-of-home (OOH) tracking, it feels like we are comparing apples to oranges every year, let alone looking back several years.
Throw in the messy integration of first-party streaming data (which seems to trigger massive, retroactive "corrections" weeks after the matches actually end), and it becomes clear we are chasing moving targets rather than solid metrics. It’s finally pushed me to take a step back and ask a simple question: is it actually worth the effort?
I'm still interested in the business of soccer on TV and will continue to stay close to it but I am putting in indefinite pause on tracking and recording (sparsely available) numbers.
I am looking forward to spending time elsewhere. So if you like posts about Little House and the Waltons along with soccer player evaluations to go along with soccer tv viewership commentary. Well, this is the place for you.
