The news: Paramount and Nielsen have officially severed ties, days after reports emerged that the two companies were at an impasse in contract renewal negotiations. The previous contract expired on September 30, meaning Paramount will now rely on VideoAmp for alternative viewership data.

• The entertainment company cited “unacceptable demands, including substantial price increases that are inconsistent with the realities of a changing industry,” in a statement on the expired Nielsen deal. Paramount said it has spent “the last few years preparing for a multicurrency future” and is “confident in the quality of our alternative currency offerings.”
• A deal is not off the table: Both Paramount and Nielsen said they will continue to negotiate.