Audience ratings are also used by researchers to study the effects of media on society. For example, a study might use audience ratings to determine whether or not a particular type of content is associated with increased levels of aggression.
There are a number of different ways to measure audience ratings. One common method is to use a people meter. A people meter is a device that attaches to the television or radio and records when it is turned on and which channels or stations are being watched or listened to. People meters are used by a number of different research companies, including Nielsen Media Research and The Arbitron Company.
Another way to measure audience ratings is to use a diary panel. A diary panel is a group of people who are recruited to keep a daily record of what they watch or listen to on television or radio. Diary panels are used by a number of different research companies, including the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (BARB) in the United Kingdom.
Audience ratings can also be measured using set-top boxes. Set-top boxes are devices that connect to a television and allow viewers to access additional channels and services. Some set-top boxes have the ability to track viewer behavior, such as what shows they watch and how long they watch them for. This information can be used to generate audience ratings.
Audience ratings are a valuable tool for broadcasters and researchers. They can help to determine the popularity of a particular show, as well as the demographics of the audience. Audience ratings can also be used to study the effects of media on society.