Nielsen Families

The Nielsen Process

How do I become a member of the Nielsen sample?

Strictly through chance. We cannot ask every home to participate, so we carefully select a sample of homes in your community to represent the entire TV audience. To be statistically accurate, it is essential that our samples be randomly selected. Every household in the United States has a chance of being selected, no matter where it is located.

I work in the TV industry (at a TV station, TV network, radio station, radio network, a cable TV company or a satellite provider). Can I still be part of the survey if Nielsen contacts me?

No, unfortunately not. We are sorry, but our guidelines prohibit us from including homes where a household member is employed by, or is a principal owner in the television or media industry.

To complete a diary

I received a letter or postcard from Nielsen. Is this legitimate?

We do send letters and postcards to potential participants from our production facility in Florida. It is our way of introducing ourselves, in hopes that you will fill out the television diary soon to come.

I received a large envelope from Nielsen. Is this legitimate?

Yes, every year we mail over one million paper diaries to randomly selected sample households across the United States in both First Class and Priority Mail envelopes. Nielsen rigorously controls how the diaries are packaged and delivered to the US Post Office for mailing. If you have further questions about an envelope you received from us, please call toll free, 1-800-237-8611 .

How can I be sure the person calling is really a Nielsen representative?

First, our interviewers will always identify themselves by name and as a representative of The Nielsen Company. Please feel free to double-check and verify that we placed the call to you or your telephone number. You may call us on this toll-free number: 1-800-237-8611.

To join our metered panel

I received a large envelope from Nielsen. Is this legitimate?

Yes, the envelope may have contained either a short survey about television viewing that we would like you to complete and return in the postage-paid envelope, OR the envelope may have contained a letter inviting you to participate in the Nielsen television ratings.

What if a Nielsen representative visits my home?

Our Field Representatives are highly-trained professionals who want the chance to tell you about the exciting opportunity to participate in the Nielsen ratings. All of our Representatives carry a Nielsen photo ID badge to identify them. If you are unsure about the person at your door you may call us at 1-800-237-6493.

Meter not working? Have technical questions?

Contact us. Our representatives are available to answer your questions, whenever they may arise.

Lost your Nielsen representative’s contact information?

Call 1-800-237-6493 and provide the Nielsen representative with your name and Nielsen HH ID number.

Especially for college students

Why are college students so important to Nielsen?

What college students choose to watch on TV is unique compared to other demographic groups. Your viewing choices are different from families with young children, older adult homes, etc. In order for Nielsen to accurately report US television viewing, we need to include college students.

What do I get for participating in the TV ratings? What about my roommate?

You will receive a thank you check once the equipment is installed. Additional checks will follow. Your roommate may qualify for a one-time thank you gift if they own the metered TV equipment.

Does my roommate have to participate?

Yes, your roommate will need to participate in order to have accurate data on who is watching the TV in your home.

When can I participate?

Your participation can begin at any time. We sign up college students all year round, mostly at the beginning of semesters but some people join in the middle of the semester or later.

My Privacy

How did you get my contact information?

Nielsen uses a combination of publicly available telephone, address, and Census information to select homes for our diary and meter panels.

Will Nielsen sell my name and address to marketers? Is Nielsen going to try to sell me something?

Absolutely not. The information from your home is held strictly confidential. You will never be approached by anyone selling something because you participated in one of our surveys.