U.S. Joint Industry Committee Re-Certifies Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp for 2026-2028 Term
U.S. Joint Industry Committee Re-Certifies Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp for 2026-2028 Term
In a significant announcement on September 22, 2026, the U.S. Joint Industry Committee (JIC) confirmed that Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp have successfully passed their re-certification, validating their status as trusted national currencies for audience measurement from 2026 to 2028. This decision follows an exhaustive evaluation process, the most thorough to date, designed to ensure that these organizations meet strict criteria for transactable audience data.
The evaluation included input from a diverse group of experts in data analytics and media, consisting of leaders from media agencies, national TV publishers, and independent consultants. Their assessments were meticulously reviewed by the JIC's Measurement Subcommittee and received approval from the Full Committee by a majority vote. All three measurement providers met the JIC's baseline criteria for measuring audiences across various categories, including Total Households, Advanced Audiences, and Personified Demographics.
New Transparency with 'How a Number Is Made' Report
In conjunction with the certification outcomes, the JIC unveiled a new report titled "How a Number Is Made." This document aims to illuminate the processes each certified provider employs to create their audience estimates. It details everything from observation and attribution of viewing behaviors to how these estimates are projected and ultimately reported as currency.
The report is structured to simplify complex methodologies into a straightforward framework, ensuring that both buyers and sellers in the marketplace can clearly understand and evaluate the audience metrics provided by Comscore, iSpot, and VideoAmp.
An Intensive Evaluation Process
The JIC's Currency Certification is vital for establishing the readiness of measurement providers to facilitate transactions. The evaluation for the new 2026-2028 term included 39 Data Evaluation Questions and executed 672 tests across various transaction types and estimation methods. This comprehensive analysis involved over 150 million telecast observations spanning more than 680 networks, ensuring that all measurements are accurate and reliable.
Furthermore, this cycle sought to enhance the evaluation for stability and performance across different programming types, particularly focusing on sports and long-tail programming. By doing so, the JIC aims to ensure that the currency data functions consistently and predictably, enhancing its reliability over time.
Responding to Industry Needs
The extensive hands-on evaluation conducted over the past two years highlights a critical market necessity—a demand for transparency that not only confirms whether a currency is transactable but also clarifies how its underlying numbers are derived. The "How a Number Is Made" report effectively translates intricate methodologies into plain language, fostering a better understanding between buyers and sellers, minimizing confusion, and enabling more effective transactions.
As Brittany Slattery, Chief Marketing Officer of OpenAP and Vice President of the JIC, stated, “The JIC has spent the past several years bringing buyers and sellers together to evaluate the transactional readiness of new currencies.” She noted that as the market evolves, the JIC aims to maintain its role as an essential platform for validating measurement and providing buyers with the clarity necessary to innovate and adapt in this changing landscape.
The Future of JIC Certification
The successful completion of this certification cycle signifies a pivotal progression for the JIC. Buyers and sellers now have a standardized platform for independent currency evaluation and can anticipate ongoing efforts to refine their certification processes. Looking ahead, the JIC plans to expand its collaborative efforts into adjacent areas, focusing on reducing friction and scaling innovation by establishing shared standards and methodologies for future currency adaptations. Success in these areas will enable more seamless transitions for changes in measurement practices and bolster industry confidence in evolving methodologies.
For further details regarding the JIC, its Currency Certification program, and the findings from "How a Number Is Made," industry stakeholders are encouraged to visit the JIC's official website at https://www.usjointindustrycommittee.com/.
In summary, the JIC's continued commitment to independent evaluations and transparency will not only benefit media buyers and publishers but reinforce the integrity of audience measurement in the dynamic world of video and digital media.