Do they still measure television ratings by "Nielson Families"?

[rcrush]

I've never met a Nielson family in my life. But I've always heard that there are these chosen people in the country that have special cable boxes that show what the family is watching. I think I even saw something on an evening news show in the 90's about it.


Are they still doing this? I'm sure that in this day in age the cable company knows what you are watching on your cable box. So are they really only still measuring the television ratings by a small handful of families in the country?

[fishwax]

1. Our family has done the Nielsen thing

Not the box, but the viewer diaries, where they have the week blocked out by half hours and ask you to fill in what you watch.

[Orrex]

5. Yeah, we received that packet as well

The $4.00 that then enclosed was some sweet compensation, though!

[murielm99]

2. Anyone who is a Nielson family has to agree to keep quiet

about it during the designated time. They have to keep quiet about it for a certain time afterward, too. A relative of mine did it. I don't remember how long ago it was. I never mentioned it to anyone after he told me. I will ask him if he is allowed to discuss it now.

Imagine how much pressure they would get if acquaintances or would-be sponsors knew who they were. I'm not sure why they have to keep it a secret for a period after they are surveyed, but they do.

[rcrush]

3. And he was never heard from again.

Those Neilson bastards will find you!

[peekaloo]

6. Kind of like Fight Club for couch potatoes.

:dunce:

[AllenVanAllen]

4. What, Nielsons?

"Normally, all your asses would be dead as fucking fried chicken for even talking about it,
but you happen to pull this shit while I'm in a transitional period so I don't wanna kill you,
I wanna help you..."

[tigereye]

7. I did it once- it was weird since we really didn't watch much tv - mostly

PBS.. at the time.

[rurallib]

8. I have done it a couple times for radio

fill in the half hour time slots etc.
I seldom listen to local radio anymore since it is all RW. We have an NPR station but NPR pretty much sucks anymore.
So now my radio listening is done on the internet.