Nielsen, it turns out, is a billion-dollar business built to measure the how many people watch not TV shows, but TV ads:
The numbers that networks and advertisers actually use – to sell ads, to set prices, and to decide on the fate of a show – are commercial ratings. In other words, advertisers don’t care how many people are watching a show nearly as much as they care how many people are watching their ads. Nielsen provides this number, which takes into account everything from next-day DVR viewing to fast-forwarding through commercials. If every Nielsen Family watched a show the day after it aired but skipped through all its ads, that show would probably be canceled.
Also not included: Hulu and Netflix views. Or On-Demand views through cable providers. It’s not that people aren’t watching your favourite show; it’s that they’re not watching the right way.
There’s hope, though; Nielsen’s stepping up their consideration of digital views, and some competitors are now offering better overall coverage. Too late to save Party Down! But hopefully in time for the next great overlooked show. Check out the full breakdown here. [Splitsider]
Michael
Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 11:30 AMJust put product placement in to make the advertisement in the show! (So long as it’s not too obvious of course)
I’d love to see a show where someone orders a *insert beer name here* instead of “a pint”
Justin
Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 1:12 PMYer…Agreed!P.S Bring Back SGU
Owen
Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 9:10 PMHere, Here! Second on that on SG:U!
Steve
Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at 6:18 PMIt’s a slippery slope. Sooner or later you’ll have scenes like that infamous one from i,Robot where Will Smith (from the future) talks about how badass Converse All Stars were back in 2004 (when the movie came out), with gratuitous macro lens.
Annie Pettit
Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 1:02 AMHow is this a flawed method? Nielsen didn’t create their rating system for the betterment of mankind. Maybe we want to think it’s all about us, but really, it’s all about promoting products and earning a paycheck. Sure, that’s kind of pessimistic but did you go to work today? :)
Tom
Monday, August 8, 2011 at 12:25 PMA wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious!