How exactly are the Nielsen ratings determined?
The Neilsen Ratings, is a rating system based on the popular vote given to each show as identified by the Nielsen families. These families are chosen randomly throughout the United States and are asked to journal their viewing habits. Within the journals they are ask to rate their shows as least to most popular. The families chosen are asked not to discuss with anyone else what they are doing. They do this for a period of 3 to 6 months. And hand their results/journals back to the Nielsen Organization.
