[AnotherUnixGeek]

International talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has issued an apology for breaking TV ratings rules and urging fans to watch her Oprah's Next Chapter show instead of the Grammy Awards

There's a rule that you can't ask people to watch your TV program instead of something else? Isn't that what advertising is all about?

[Glenn]

Isn't that what advertising is all about?

Everytime Oprah runs a commercial, the company I work for takes a slice of the advertising revenue.

Advertising is all about the "Art of the Deal". It's amazing how complex it gets. I kindof enjoy the industry.

[Smokeyblue]

Yes. Nielsen has a strong rule about DIRECT appeals to those participating with their ratings system.

Only 25,000 people have the ratings boxes. They are suppose to be unknown to all who could influence their viewing habits while they are participating.

Could you imagine if Oprah (or other broadcasters) found out who those current 25,000 people were an offered them a car to watch her network?