What Is A “Household”?

Variety’s Andrew Wallenstein writes about Nielsen struggling with what constitutes a “household” in the 21st century…

If a viewer watches a TV show on a tablet, should that be reflected in its Nielsen rating?

That’s a question at the heart of a complicated decision Nielsen hopes to make by the end of the first quarter regarding a new definition for what constitutes a TV household.

The new definition is almost certain, according to sources, to include for the first time viewing on TV sets that show video via broadband connections, whether from a device like Apple TV or directly into the set itself. In addition, that viewing would not have to come in the form of linear channels, which would open up measurement to on-demand options like episodes posted on a broadcaster’s website.

But what is currently being debated is whether homes that restrict their viewing to smartphones or tablets will also be considered TV households. Those devices may have to wait until their measurement can be integrated into the TV ratings system.

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2 Responses to “What Is A “Household”?”

  1. Since Nielsen is going to acquire Arbitron, one would think they could implement the Portable People Meter/PPM technology that Arbitron is using for the radio market. I know Arbitron piloted local TV in Philadelphia when the PPM was in beta, so its really not that difficult to do.

    I just don’t get the whole Twitter/multi screen thing, I find it ill relevant. I’d love to see the PPM work in TV and cable.

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