The two companies had previously been locked in a ‘contractual impasse’ after the previous contract expired and they attempted to negotiate a new agreement.

As part of the deal, CBS Television Network, CBS Television Distribution, Showtime Networks, Smithsonian, Pop, CBS Sports Network and CBS’ 27 owned and operated local TV stations will continue to use Nielsen’s Total Audience measurement services.

The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Joe Ianniello, president and acting chief executive, CBS Corporation, said: "We are very pleased with this new agreement we were able to achieve with Nielsen. It meets our strategic goals, and will allow us to benefit from important advances in measurement as they are rolled out."

He added: "CBS programming is perennially the most-watched content rated by Nielsen, and there is significant upside ahead as next-generation advertising continues to flourish."

David Kenny, chief executive at Nielsen, said: "CBS is a longstanding leader in world-class video content. We are thrilled to continue our long partnership with them as we innovate for the future."