Tru Not Looking at Bright Future

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RebirthASAP

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ATS/TC: Shuffled Schedules

Because of the brevity of these stories, I'm combining them.

It's been confirmed that 'Angel' will be pre-empted on November 26th, by The Futon Critic. The shuffling for the end of Sweeps is going on at several networks, so no real concern as to why this is being done.

Of concern is the continued slide in the ratings for 'Tru Calling', which is now pulling numbers below what 'Skin' had before it was cancelled. Although it was questionable if any episodes would air on December 25th or January 1st (because of the holidays), Fox has announced that on the 25th, they will air a 2-hour special 'World Idol', with a follow-up 1 hour show on the 1st. (the special is a showdown between the various Idol shows from around the world).

Which leaves open only three Thursdays in which 'Tru Calling' can be aired in December. If the erosion in the ratings continues next week, it will be debatable if the show will last past December (or possibly even November).

I should also note that there have been some reports that an additional three scripts had been ordered by Fox. This was originally posted on the Official Tru Calling Forums, along with a mention that Fox was happy with the ratings in some demographic categories. Which is a hopeful sign, but I would like to see some confirmation from a source like 'The Futon Critic'. Which has commented on stories like this in the past, such as the additional 3 scripts that were requested for 'Still Life' and 'Karen Sisco'.
 
I know peeps from the UK are already enjoying the show.. I myself have already pointed a few people in the right direction and they've loved the first two episodes, it would be a shame to see another great show, die a death.

Buffy fans obviously aren't showing up in force to support the show 🙁
 
The ratings for the 3rd ep. didn't fall a whole lot...it's keeping steady ratings, just low ratings. >_<
 
if I'm not a "nielsen family" how does me watching the show save it? I mean, I'm watching the show, but is it actually getting my rating?
 
Originally posted by RebirthASAP
if I'm not a "nielsen family" how does me watching the show save it? I mean, I'm watching the show, but is it actually getting my rating?
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Whats a 'nielsen family'?
 
A Nielsen family or a Nielsen home is a home that has one of the Nielsen boxes (which Nielsen Media Research uses to calculate ratings.) Unless you have a box or have been randomly contacted by Nielsen, you basically don't count in the ratings.

Scientifically, it's supposed to be accurate in terms of using random sampling to calculate how many millions of viewers are actually watching.

However, I don't buy into it at all. I know as a soon to be scientist, I should. But I DO NOT! I absolutely despise Nielsen, and am quite adamant about that.

If you want more info, I do know lots about it. So, just ask.
 
I think they choose you. There are 5000 homes in the sample (but they are thinking of increasing the number). And they create the sample to represent the US as a whole. So if (making this up) 10% of the population is Asian, 10% of the Nielsen sample should be Asian.
 
That's what I say!

Yes, they do choose you. You cannot volunteer. They randomly choose people because that makes it scientifically accurate and unbiased. And it's only people in the U.S I believe because they're national ratings.

You know, I've NEVER met anyone with a Nielsen box. Never! I'm supposed to buy into all of this?

Now, I understand that taking info from EVERY SINGLE home in the country might be a little impractical. But there has to be a better way. And why the hell all of the networks follow the ratings like little drones is beyond me. I mean, they know the system is lacking. Their general defense seems to be, "Well, there's no other way of knowing." Well, someone please find a way! Because I'm sick of knowing a show I'm watching deserves a chance, but it has a bigger chance of being cancelled because of ratings.
 
Thanks for explaining Beckinsale 🙂

Being in the UK I don't know much about it but from the sounds of it I don't think it seems fair. Different people with different opinions on things. Personally I think that each rating should count.
 
🙂 No problem.

Sorry, to be so passionate about the subject, but honestly... this is a very hot topic for me.

I don't know if it's necessarily about opinions. Many people (network presidents, scientists, the common man) see flaws in the system. The problem is that there has to be a way to calculate, and since Nielsen holds somewhat of a monopoly on ratings, there's nothing anyone can really do. Someone would have to come up with a better way of doing things and then put their system into place. And so far no one has. It isn't and wouldn't be an easy task.

Only thing we can do is keep contacting FOX via e-mail, letters, and phone calls and make our positive voices heard. I have to be honest, (I'm sure a lot of you know this already) the president of FOX television is very focused on actual ratings figures. Meaning she sits there passionately waiting for the numbers and seems to care very little about anything else. That is why we have to make her care.

I'm not taking a defeatist attitude, and I don't think anyone else should either. A difference can be made.

*climbs off soapbox*
 
I think the way they look at it is that it is equally inaccurate for all the networks.

The other thing is that frankly, people like us are a small part of the tv watching population. Most people in the US are not watching this show. Does it still suck that the networks won't keep airing a niche show with a fan base like this? Yes.
 
It is not equally inaccurate, actually. (WARNING: ranting about to start.) Each network and each show is targeted for different audiences. FOX seems to be targeted more at a younger audience than say CBS. But, if only the younger demos are being configured inaccurately, then it would not be fair to compare the two networks or even shows within the same network. It's like trying to add apples and oranges. That's exactly what's going on.

How would someone know that most people in the US are not watching this show? Can they go around asking everyone? Of course not. Basing it on ratings (?) There's the point. Yes, it's the only way we have. And, yes, there is a point to the networks feeling that it's all they've got. But, my point is, the system needs to be changed, and they need to base things on more than Nielsen. I'm absolutely not the only person who thinks so.

I'm sorry, but I'm positive more people are watching this show than the ratings suggest. I'm sure, not as many or even remotely as close to as many as Friends and Survivor, but more than we think. And, yeah, that's mostly a gut feeling. But it's also based on FACTS I know about Nielsen.

Not to mention, that they sometimes tend to group ethnic groups as though everyone would have the exact same taste. That's not real life. People surprise you. I don't like half the things Nielsen assumes I do. There are so many generational, gender, and ethnic gaps in the system. They say it's accurate, but it isn't. And it affects each program and each network differently. So, if the networks really believe with their whole hearts that things are equal, they need some help. And I at least know of one network Pres. who has been saying exactly what I'm saying. And because he knows this, he gives his shows chances. (For the most part.) He bases decisions on more that just ratings. He takes fan support into heavy account. If Tru were on that network, I wouldn't be worried. But Tru is on FOX. The number one network for getting rid of a good thing.

btw, I'm not ranting at anyone on the board. I'm just venting my Nielsen frustration and trying to inform. And you know, I can't even blame Nielsen. It's the networks and advertisers who know it's flawed, yet continue to follow it like it is EVERYTHING.
There have been suggestions to have ratings handled locally in each state, and then have a total be tallied. That seems to make more sense to me. But hey...
 
I was just saying what I've heard (from people in the industry) is the way the networks look at it.

I forget who it was...maybe Charles Dolan?...but someone came up with an alternative to Nielsen but it didn't fly.

And I wasn't saying the ratings are accurate as to number of people watching, but as you said, it is clear its not as many as Friends. My point was just that niche shows like this will not reach as broad an audience.

The problem with having local systems would be that if they're not using the same system, then you can't aggregate them or compare them one to another. You would have to have one central group in charge of it, with branches in local areas that could then possibly more accurately assess the makeup of that area.
 
I was just saying what I've heard (from people in the industry) is the way the networks look at it.
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Oh, yes. And you're absolutely right. That is how they look at it. Which I feel is a little sad and unfair. (Last time I say that. I promise.)

The problem with having local systems would be that if they're not using the same system, then you can't aggregate them or compare them one to another. You would have to have one central group in charge of it, with branches in local areas that could then possibly more accurately assess the makeup of that area.
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I agree. I could only hope that they'd implement the same system everywhere and have a central figure overseeing all of it. It's only logical.

I most definitely feel for any person who attempts to invent a new system. There will be people who find flaws in any system... because there will be flaws. No system will be perfect. Of that I am certain. But, I'd love to see someone try something new.

PS: Do you suppose we've lost anyone in all of this? lol
 
I just read all the post that you guys have posted on here about this system being flawed, and I 100% agree with what you guys are saying here. And no you guys haven't losted me in your ranting. 🙂

The thing that I don't like about this system is the fact that the rating things are only in US, coming if they did this system in all countries than the ratings would be more accrute(sp?). Come on the shows are on in all countries. I hope this makes sense to you, I am bad with trying to expression my points.
 
Okay, good you weren't lost. That must mean I made some sorta sense. hehe

There's a problem with the sytem being used in other countries. For one thing, not all shows are viewed in other countries or all of the same countries or with the same schedule. (ie one country may be on season 3 of a show while another is on season 1.) So comparing figures there would be absolutely slanted.

I wish that everyone from everywhere would count. But the fact of the matter is, that would mot likely skew results even further due to availability.
 
Oh I had no idea that it couldn't work in other countries. Thanxs for the info.
 
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