Nielsen Media Research

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Nielsen Media Research is an American firm that specializes in gathering and analyzing data related to media consumption[1]. Established in the 1950s, the company is known for its innovative methods of tracking viewership across various media platforms, including television[4], radio, films, newspapers, digital media[3], and internet[5]. Nielsen’s services extend to audience measurement, market research[2], and demographic statistics. It also tracks internet and digital media usage, and conducts market research for the film industry. In recent years, Nielsen has adapted to the rise of streaming platforms and has started compiling weekly lists of top-rated shows. Despite facing criticisms and controversies over the accuracy of their data, Nielsen continues to strive for improvements in its measurement systems.

Terms definitions
1. media consumption. Media consumption refers to the process of utilizing, incorporating, or interacting with different forms of media, such as television, the internet, newspapers, and social media. This concept dates back to the creation of words and pictures, evolving significantly with the progression of communication technologies. Innovations like the printing press, photography, motion picture cameras, and telecommunication devices have all shaped media consumption, making it easier and more widespread. The advent of social media and mobile devices has further transformed media consumption, making it a daily, even hourly, activity for many individuals. However, it's not without its effects. Research suggests that media consumption can influence individuals' behavior, perception of reality, and mental health. It can also play a pivotal role in shaping societal attitudes towards various issues. Therefore, media literacy, or the ability to critically analyze media messages, is considered essential in the modern world.
2. market research. Market Research is a systematic process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information about a specific market or sector. Its origin can be traced back to the 1930s, influenced greatly by Daniel Starch's work during the 1920s. The concept grew as advertisers recognized the significance of demographic data, and the Gallup Organization pioneered the public opinion poll. Today, it's a crucial tool for funding research and it emphasizes inclusive research design. Market research uses primary and secondary methods to collect data on various market aspects like segmentation, trends, and brand perception. It also plays a vital role in international markets, especially with the rise of internet and social media platforms. Additionally, it's applied in various sectors such as business planning, advertising, and the film industry. This process, while indispensable, also raises important ethical and psychological considerations, especially in terms of data collection, user privacy, and workforce well-being.

Nielsen Media Research (NMR) is an American firm that measures media audiences, including television, radio, theatre, films (via the AMC Theatres MAP program), and newspapers. Headquartered in New York City, it is best known for the Nielsen ratings, an audience measurement system of television viewership that for years has been the deciding factor in canceling or renewing television shows by television networks. As of May 2012, it is part of Nielsen Holdings.

Nielsen Media Research
FormerlyACNielsen
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryMedia research
Founded1996; 28 years ago (1996)
Headquarters85 Broad Street,
New York City, New York
,
U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
ServicesConsumerization
ParentNielsen Holdings
Websitenielsen.com

NMR began as a division of ACNielsen, a marketing research firm founded in 1923. In 1996, NMR was split off into an independent company, and in 1999, was purchased by the Dutch conglomerate VNU. In 2001, VNU also purchased ACNielsen, thereby bringing both companies under the same corporate umbrella. NMR is also a sister company to Nielsen//NetRatings, which measures Internet and digital media audiences. VNU was reorganized and renamed the Nielsen Company in 2007.

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