We are a Nielson Family

[Melodybe]

I got a postcard in the mail that says:

"It is my pleasure to tell you that your household has been chosen to be a "Nielson Family"... for a one week TV survey!"



I aleady plan not to watch CNN or any news network all week. Those bastards won't get any of my ratings points.

I fully intend on watching the Daily Show every night followed by Letterman, and then Conan the next day on Comedy Centeral.

I will also watch...

Angel
Reno 911
South Park
Queer Eye
Celebrity Poker
Simpsons
Bernie Mac

Any one have any suggestions on a good show that doesn't get many ratings points?
I have never watched the Practice before, but I love James Spader.

[POed_Ex_Repub]

1. Mythbusters on Discovery Channel

It's an hour well spent IMHO.

[sandnsea]

2. LinkTV

Somebody else will have to tell you a program. But that channel should definitely be on your list!

[Melodybe]

5. Ohh, I haven't seen that..

Can you get it on Direct TV?

Is it a descent news network? That would rule, we catch News World International a good bit.

[Ohio Dem]

10. Link is Channel 375 on Direct TV. nt

[sandnsea]

11. I have Direct TV

So I guess so. My husband watches it more than I do so I'll ask him a good show. He's sleeping right now. PM me so I don't forget!!

[NJCher]

3. I used to work in TV ratings

Wonder if they are still using journals or if they now have a Smart Box or something similar.

I think what you're doing is great. It will have plenty of influence. Did you know these surveys usually have less than 2000 people but they influence all ofwhat our nation watches?


Cher

[aquart]

17. They have very smart boxes indeed.

They can record your viewing habits including if you watch one show and record another at the same time for viewing later. They take information on the quarter so they can tell when you've cut out. They can also link to your computer and record what sites you visit WHILE you are watching TV.

They also have internet-downloadable software for internet site tracking in conjunction with Harris Polls.

(I had to do a phone interview with a Nielson PR person for a project.)

[Wonk]

4. NOW with Bill Moyers and David Brancaccio

Check your local listings.
http://www.pbs.org/now/sched.html

[Paul Hood]

6. Now with Bill Moyers.

[corporatewhore]

18. or Democracy Now (if you get it)

[calimary]

7. If the one-week term includes the Superbowl, you could tune to CNN

during half-time. If you don't want to watch the Superbowl, you could get a pal who does - to call you to alert you when it's halftime.

[Melodybe]

12. We're not watching the Super Bowl

I am sad about it, this was the first year my husband and I paid attention to our college football team. They had a good year and it was fun to watch. In the NFL, I was kinda paying attention to the Colts, but they aren't playing.

We usually watch the SB every other year or so, but we are not watching it deliberately this year, in protest of CBS not showing the moveon ad.

I'm not watching CNN either, it is going to be hard, but screw them.

My friend is begging me to watch Alias, and I don't really like Jennifer Garner, what should I do?

[Anwen]

8. Good for you!

Don't give those bastards the time of day ;-)

I would recommend watching PBS as well. Now with Bill Moyers is great.

[bluestateguy]

9. Boston Public and the West Wing

[aquart]

13. The Practice is delightful with Spader.

Can I make two small requests?

Reality TV is basically union busting. It costs so much less, employs so many fewer people to put on a reality show than it does one with actors, writers, scripts.... Can I ask you to heavily emphasize shows that use writers and actors?

The other thing has to do with daytime viewing. (Nielson does record shows taped for later viewing if you'll be at work.) I doubt you're a soap watcher since you haven't mentioned any, but Guiding Light and As The World Turns need a boost, good shows that haven't been noticed as much as they should be, and General Hospital needs to be ignored. GH is being sadly turned off by its most loyal viewers, but nothing makes a statement like a Nielson rating. The only way to tumble GH is to watch a different soap.

Now, if there are websites you want me to visit, to boost their standings, email me the links.

[Melodybe]

16. I love James Spader and James Marsters

I am happy about being able to help Angel and the Practice.

I don't think that it starts tomorrow though, it says:

"In a few days...you will recieve a long distance phone call from us to explain this exciting opportunity."

[aquart]

21. The two James should always be encouraged.

And possibly cloned.

[Kanary]

14. How 'bout some entertainment with good content and values?

Judging Amy and Everwood actually promote good relationships: Amazing in this day and age. Also bring up some very good issues.

I agree with supporting NOW... Moyers is a one-of-a-kind!

Kanary

[Paradox_Mystery]

15. Agreed, Aquart!

Reality TV should be avoided whenever possible!:-)

[jono]

22. Hi Paradox_Mystery!

Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[Paradox_Mystery]

23. Thanks, Jono!

It's good to be here. I have been lurking for awhile, and the information here is as good as gold when dealing with my conservative colleagues. I must admit that I am a newcomer to the Democratic party (Not even registered as such yet, but soon), but I hope it will be a long and fruitful association:-)

[SideshowScott]

19. Deffanlty West Wing..And Late Show with David Letterman

West Wing beacuse the cons at NBC are licking thire chops to cancel it..Anf David Letterman to beat the GOP butt kissing-Miller loving-Arnie enableing Jay Leno

[arikara]

20. Now with Bill Moyers for sure!

And I'm with the earlier posts about the reality TV, the reason the networks are so involved with it is so that they don't have to pay actor's wages. I've pretty well quit watching tv because I really dislike them. If Third Watch is still on, that's a good one.

[LTR]

24. NewsWorld International

Great news outfit out of Canada that is on satellite and most digital cable systems. Consists mostly of international newscasts in English. Here you get the real stories, and not the titilating versions. If anything deserves to be called 'fair and balanced', then this is it. The only thing in the US that could come close is 60 Minutes.

Don't forget BBC America for your news fix as well. Top notch!

Also, please boycott all reality shows. I wish they would all go away.

[izzie]

25. When you leave for work turn on c-span

n/t

[arwalden]

26. Bewitched, Andromeda, Stargate

[bleedingheart]

27. Our family was selected by Nielson years ago...your lucky its one week

We had them put a box on our TV that they had to hard wire to it...they wanted to know when we were watching the VCR or DVD player so they tampered with them as well...

When they got a new box technology they swapped it out and broke our TV...which they replaced.

They used to call us to ask if we were watching the TV because you see...we didn't watch that much...with both of us working we weren't home most of the day... and by the time we ate, played with the kids and settled in...well we watched very very little and most was nerdy like Discovery, PBS...etc

and so Nielson took the box away.

[rockymountaindem]

28. Watch the History Channel all day!