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How to Become a Nielsen Rater

The Nielsen Company is a marketing and advertising research firm that has been responsible for determining and reporting the ratings of television programs for more than 50 years. The group collects its ratings data via ratings boxes, which record the networks and programs that are viewed on a given television set or digital video recorder (DVR), such as TiVo. Nielsen also uses written ratings diaries, although it is beginning to discontinue this method as it moves toward tracking viewing habits on a variety of mobile devices (e.g., cell phones, computers and iPods) using "people meters." Nielsen raters are chosen through random sampling, and a person can generally become a rater only through personal invitation.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch for a notice in the mail from Nielsen. Nielsen may send a postcard, packet of information or paper diary in which to record your television-watching habits. Send back a reply postcard or call the number provided on the mailing to opt in and become a Nielsen rater.

    • 2

      Wait to be contacted. A Nielsen representative may contact potential raters via telephone to find out whether or not they are interested. If you are interested, tell the representative so.

    • 3

      Contact Nielsen directly if you are a college student and members of your family are already Nielsen raters. For example, a college student who lives in a dormitory or on his own can telephone Nielsen to get his own ratings box if his parents are already raters. College students may become raters at any time of the year during their college career.

    • 4

      Allow a Nielsen representative into your home to install the ratings equipment. A Nielsen representative will hook up a ratings box and remote to your television and/or DVR to monitor your television viewing habits. The representative will also instruct you on how to operate the equipment.

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