Broadcast Audience Data
From CommWiki
Television & Cable audience demographic data, ratings and program rankings can sometimes be difficult to find because the information is collected by media research companies that are very protective of the data and charge a very high price for access. However, the following sources will be helpful!
Contents |
DMA Data
For Designated Market Area (DMA) data, the following resources will have good information about media markets.
Demographics USA. County Edition
- best source for DMA data
- based on Neilsen data
- see the ALICE record for this resource
- accompanying volume: Demographics USA. Zip Edition
Broadcasting and Cable Yearbook
- 4 volume reference book set containing a Neilsen "DMA atlas" and other information by geographic region.
- see the ALICE record (most recent copy at Alden 2nd fl desk)
- overview of the demographics and lifestyle interests of households in the U.S. DMAs
- see more information about this resource
- see the ALICE record for this resource (latest copy at Alden 2nd fl desk)
Other Media Audience Resources
- database containing a lot of detailed info about media audiences. Tutorials are at the above link or visit the Research Desk in Alden Library's 2nd fl Learning Commons for assistance.
- see the Infotree Record about this resource
- covers about 10 years of media audience information, including future forecasts.
- TV / Cable viewing patterns and other audience info in narrative style with statistical charts.
Nielsen Ratings
Nielsen Website
The Nielsen Media Research website provides some basic weekly ratings figures, as well as other information:
- Weekly Television Ratings
- Stats & Calculations also click Terms & Acronyms at the bottom of the Stats & Calculations page
- How Ratings are Derived
- TV History Timeline
Published Nielsen Charts
Weekly Neilsen Ratings charts are published in media trade publications such as Broadcasting & Cable and Variety, as well as in marketing and advertising publications such as Brandweek.
Articles Based on Nielsen Data
Also search the following sources to find articles that quote the Nielsen Ratings charts and provide narrative analysis of television viewing (search for the keywords Nielsen AND united states):
|
NOTE: As a last resort, you might try contacting a media research company (e.g., Neilsen Media Research). If you explain that you need the data for educational and not commercial reasons, they may be willing to provide it to you. |
International Media Research
To find information on the media and audiences in other countries, here are some places to start:
- search the database Business Source Complete for Broadcasting & Cable TV Industry Profile and you will find industry profiles for several countries.
- see the resources suggested in the guide for TCOM 367, a class on international media
Related CommWiki Pages & Research Guides
- Consumer Product Research and Media Use
- TCOM 367 (guide for a class on international media research)
