Audience Research - Internet forums

Participation in Internet forums: -

Forums are discussions on a particular theme or thread. At any moment a thread can branch into any number of other threads, with each thread being made up of a number of contributions from users or readers, the contribution usually consists of a single paragraph, with the length varying.

The contents page of a threaded discussion looks like an outline, with each comment being listed being represented by a one line summary, showing the topic and the user name of the commenter. clicking on the summary line will reveal the entire contents/history of the comment, with links to any previous and subsequent comments, any reader can respond to either a specific comment or a group of comments.

Web forums can help researchers add audience study to a textual or institutional analysis, which would allow them to expand their understanding of how a show or phenomenon, and increase the number of voices heard. Internet research simultaneously introduces new limitations, as researchers must be aware of who has the access, time and knowledge to participate in Internet forums, especially when the research focuses on TV viewers.

Audience Research - Panels

The definition of a audience panel is a situation in which a group of people are gathered together to discuss an issue, often to provide feedback on something, to brainstorm solutions to a problem or to discuss an issue of public concern in front of an audience. 

http://www.tvneedsyou.co.uk/

Broadcasters need to understand who is watching their programmes and advertisers need to know where to place their advertising. To do this they must know how many people of different types watch each programme. The information is used by broadcasters to help them better understand their audience. It provides a clear picture of who is and who is not watching different programmes. This helps programme makers to decide what to put on at different times of the day and week. Audience figures are also used by the advertising industry to help them decide where to place commercials, accurate viewing figures for programmes are vital in understanding how people watch television on different channels and across different devices.

Audience Research - Focus Groups

Focus groups is an effective research method, using focus groups is an qualitative research method. Producers of media content may use focus groups to learn about different peoples reactions to their ideas for their media products. Focus groups usually consists of a moderated discussion, involving usually 5 - 10 participants depending on the size and audience of the products, the participants who are drawn form the target audience are usually a highly targeted segment. Through the focus group, media producers can learn about different users attitudes, beliefs, desires and reactions to the ideas and concepts for the proposed products. Using focus groups can be also a useful way to get feedback on any prototypes or near completed products.