How does the Nielsen ratings thing work?

[John Schmidt]

I'm always hearing about the Nielsen ratings of various programs, and now Spicer is talking about how big they were during the inauguration. How do they come up with those figures, seems a bit of a stretch to me at times. In the past I've heard how popular a particular program or sporting event was per the Nielsen ratings, yet I've never turned it on due to no interest.....the inauguration for example, I had it on maybe five minutes at the most. So how do they know who's watching and who isn't?

[Jess from VA]

I only have historical memory, nothing current.

What I recall, they get permission to install boxes in thousands of homes, and monitor what they watch. 

If this is anything like political polls, they probably only put the boxes in Democrat homes.

True randomness is probably harder to find than one might think.

[hubcapsc]

I only have historical memory, nothing current.

What I recall, they get permission to install boxes in thousands of homes, and monitor what they watch. 

If this is anything like political polls, they probably only put the boxes in Democrat homes.

True randomness is probably harder to find than one might think.

They tried to put one at my house about 15 or so years ago. They were real nice
while trying to get me to say yes, and real nasty when they realized I was saying no.

-Mike

[old2soon]

Couple of new shows C B S is touting as "new #1" shows I have like less than zero interest in. And NOT just this new t v season. Last couple years have NOT impressed me in the least-that less than zero thingy!  RIDE SAFE.

[Serk]

Couple of new shows C B S is touting as "new #1" shows I have like less than zero interest in. And NOT just this new t v season. Last couple years have NOT impressed me in the least-that less than zero thingy!  RIDE SAFE.

As the spousal unit and I often tell each other - We are no longer the target audience.

[Ramie]

I believe nowadays the cable companies and satellite dish  companies sell them the information, they always know what your watching.

[Tx Bohemian]

I often wondered how this is measured too, but not that much. However, after reading this post got my curiosity up so I googled.

Came up with this:
http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/solutions/measurement/television.html

One thing it describes is how they target certain audiences for certain commercials during certain shows.

Scary how they can tell exactly what and when you're watching!!

I've noticed over the last few years that I see a lot of "old people" ads (back pain, catheters, canes, reverse mortgages, etc...). Obviously my viewing times and choice of programs fall into that category.

Must be getting old...

[The emperor has no clothes]

I often wondered how this is measured too, but not that much. However, after reading this post got my curiosity up so I googled.

Came up with this:
http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/solutions/measurement/television.html

One thing it describes is how they target certain audiences for certain commercials during certain shows.

Scary how they can tell exactly what and when you're watching!!

I've noticed over the last few years that I see a lot of "old people" ads (back pain, catheters, canes, reverse mortgages, etc...). Obviously my viewing times and choice of programs fall into that category.

Must be getting old...

I think it has to do with a lot more old people nowadays that have money to spend.

[Jess from VA]

I'd like to know how many of those old folks (and other) commercials are funded directly or indirectly by the Fed (meaning your and my tax dollars)?  

It's bad enough there are 100s of Fed giveaway programs, but they also waste our money advertising their availability.  (buying votes again)

Call now, you may qualify for a free (fill in the blank).

That and all the class action crap; asbestos (mesothelioma), pharmacy, implants, blood filters, artificial joints, and on and on.  

There's a huge pile of money, and you may qualify for a chunk of it, you may not even have to be sick.    (And every one that gets a chuck increases our attorney fees)

I wish this was all prohibited on regular channels, just have one advertisement channel so we can program it out of existence on our TVs.

And while in bitch mode, here's my ever continuing question.  With all the high dollar glitzy Madison Avenue advertising research and development of what actually supposedly sells every type of crap known to man, how come 94% of all TV adds make me want to shoot my TV in anger?  I guess I am not in the TARGET audience.

TV commercials...... the finest dry fire exercise you will ever get.  Yeah, another clean head shot.