Hit digital albums have lost market share to far less popular titles. But hit digital tracks have gained market share over the years.

2010 will be huge test, as new realities of consumer expression and cross-platform integration create a powerful new dynamic hovering over the largest single-spot ad spend on record.

According to Nielsen IAG, an ad for the NFL’s female-focues clothing line featuring actress Alyssa Milano was the most liked ad during the time period of September 21-October 18. During that same time frame, and ad for Halls cough drops scored the highest ad recall index with viewers.

Nielsen fielded its annual holiday retail survey at the beginning of this month to get an understanding of consumers’ holiday shopping plans.

Canada continues to show a steady increase in consumer confidence, with its index rising to 94, up four points since July and 10 points since April.

New data from Scarborough Research finds nearly three in four adults, nearly 171 million, in the U.S. read printed news on a weekly basis.

Nielsen’s Melissa Davies offers a summary of her experience at the recent FDA hearings which focused on how healthcare and pharmaceutical companies can responsibly engage consumers online and through social media.

On November 12, at the NewTeeVee Live event, Brian Fuhrer, SVP and Media Program Leader at The Nielsen Company, weighed in on the need to measure audiences and engagement across TV, the web, mobile devices and more.

On Friday, November 13, Nielsen’s Melissa Davies, Research Director, Healthcare, Online division, will present testimony at an FDA hearing surrounding the pharmaceutical industry and regulations surrounding social media.

While beleaguered shoppers will be looking for ways to make the season bright, retailers can do their part by bringing some much needed holiday cheer to the shopping experience.