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Is it necessary for TV networks to release their television ratings? Why or why not?

Jonna Mardoll

As a user of social media, I believe it is not necessary for TV networks to release their television ratings. Ratings have been important in the past to determine advertising revenue and to understand audience preferences. However, with the rise of streaming services and on-demand content, the importance of ratings has diminished.

Firstly, the traditional rating systems used by TV networks do not accurately measure the consumption of their content. Nielsen ratings, for example, rely on a small sample size of households to determine ratings, which does not accurately represent the audience as a whole. This has been further complicated by the increased fragmentation of media, as audiences have more options to consume content on multiple devices and platforms.

Additionally, ratings do not reflect the cultural significance or critical acclaim of a TV show. Many critically acclaimed shows such as The Wire or Breaking Bad initially struggled with ratings, but have since garnered a loyal following and cultural significance. Releasing television ratings may overshadow other important factors that contribute to the overall success of a show.

Furthermore, the release of ratings can negatively impact creativity and innovation in the industry. If networks focus solely on ratings, they may be less willing to take risks on new and innovative programming. This would stifle creativity and lead to a homogenization of content.

Instead of relying on traditional ratings, TV networks should focus on engaging with their audiences through social media and other digital platforms. Many networks have already begun doing this by releasing their content on streaming platforms and engaging with audiences on Twitter or Instagram. This form of engagement can provide valuable feedback and insights into audience preferences, without relying on inaccurate rating systems.

In conclusion, as a user of social media, I believe it is not necessary for TV networks to release their television ratings. Traditional ratings do not accurately measure audience consumption, are not indicative of a show's cultural significance or critical acclaim, and can negatively impact creativity. Instead, networks should focus on engaging with their audiences through social media and other digital platforms, which can provide valuable feedback and insights into audience preferences.