Television Preview
This article possibly contains original research. (April 2012) |
Company type | Parent RSC the Quality Measurement Company | |
---|---|---|
Website | televisionpreview |
Television Preview (also known as "New TV Preview") is a
The process
Television Preview randomly sends out invitations and tickets to specific screenings, usually held in hotel conference rooms. The invitation contains text, such as that shown below, insinuating that the viewer will help decide what will be featured on television's next fall lineup:
You have been selected to participate in a survey whose findings will directly influence what you see on television in the future.
You have been selected to evaluate not-yet-released television material that is being considered for nationwide broadcast.
You have been selected to help represent the television viewing preferences of the entire country.[2]
Instead, viewers are shown old television pilots that were never picked up. They are asked to give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down style rating, and then fill out pages of questionnaires about their purchasing preferences, brands they like, products they are likely to use, and so forth.
The programs
The programs can vary from screening to screening, but most often they seem to be two shows: a 1997 drama called Soulmates featuring
Associated companies
Within a few business days after the viewings, most participants receive phone calls come from a California based company called "Datascension", in which participants are asked additional questions about the presentation. The company has been known to make frequent, repeated calls, in the event no one at the participant's number answers, or if they reach an answering machine.
References
- ^ Dubinsky, Zach (September 7, 2000). "Spot the TV ad: Lured by invite to judge TV, viewers end up helping to sell soap". Now. Toronto, Ontario. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
- ^ a b Pflaum, Nadia (July 15, 2004). "Viewer Discretion Advised: Beware of envelopes containing four free tickets to test new shows". The Pitch. Kansas City, Missouri. Retrieved April 17, 2021.