How do the networks know how many viewers are tuned in

[Lynn CC]

I've often wondered how they know who is watching what show?
I'd love to be one of those T.V. show raters...I'm sure there is a name for the job. I don't watch much T.V. but I would if I got paid for it!

 

[MosMom]

I don't think you get paid for it. A gal on an email loop was chosen to be a neilson family and said it was completely voluntary. I don't know if she is full of it though.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Quite a few years ago, my mom got the Neilson package in the mail. I think she had to keep track of what she watched for 2 weeks. Actually, I did it since she didn't want to. It was completely voluntary and I don't recall her getting paid for it. From what I remember, it was quite a detailed survey.

 

[preshi]

We got paid between 5 and 20 dollars to do the Neilsen thing once. I dont reall exactly how much... it was very time consuming.