Is CBS really thinking about dumping Nielsen as their ratings service, or are they just trying to get a hand up in negotiations?

The network whispered to Variety that they are thinking about dropping the ratings service.

A number of station groups, such as Nexstar is doing that and moving over to Comscore.

But, Nielsen does not seemed too worried that CBS might dump them.

A Nielsen rep indicated that CBS’ threat to drop the service was posturing amid tough contract talks.

“We expect to arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement well in advance of Dec. 31,” a Nielsen spokesman said.

CBS declined to comment, you know, besides leaking the story to Variety to try and get a better price from Nielsen.