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Actually, ratings don't really measure viewer satisfaction. They measure the number of people watching. Those aren't really the same things. The advertising ba
by boucher 17y ago
Actually, ratings don't really measure viewer satisfaction. They measure the number of people watching. Those aren't really the same things.
The advertising based system on television is part of the reason why shows must have broad appeal, and often cater to a lowest common denominator. Shows which may require more effort from the viewer may get a smaller audience, but that audience may be much more satisfied. Unfortunately, since television's model is based only on total viewing audience, it doesn't matter how satisfied the viewer really is, just as long as they keep watching.
- netcan 17y agoYou're nitpicking. Gross viewer satisfaction by some definition of 'viewer' & 'satisfactions.' Very similar metric to box office sales where consumers pay directly. Better? None of this is relevant to the point being discussed. The point is that just because company A gets paid by Advertiser B that wants to reach Customer C does not mean that company A does not have the incentive to serve customer C properly.
- stcredzero 17y agoYou're nitpicking. Gross viewer satisfaction by some definition of 'viewer' & satisfactions. I don't think that's a nitpick. I'll sometimes watch a TV show, but still not be wholly satisfied with it. He's pointing out a problem with the metric. With the current economics, companies that produce TV would be most pleased if a whole ton of somewhat dissatisfied people watch a show, versus a few that love a show. The economics encourage mediocrity.