Nielsen Ratings

Nielsen ratings are a system used to measure the popularity of television programs in the United States. Nielsen collects data from a selected group of households that represent a cross-section of viewers. These households track their viewing habits, allowing Nielsen to estimate how many people are watching specific shows. The ratings influence advertising decisions, as networks and advertisers pay attention to which programs attract the most viewers. Essentially, Nielsen ratings help determine what shows are popular and how advertising dollars are allocated in the television industry.