How do television programs "target" their audience?

Question

I commute with a 20-something Asian woman and strong-armed her into getting a DVR which she loves.  But when we talk about favorite shows - her list is very different from mine.

She watches "Real Housewives" and "Millionaire Matchmaker" and "Say Yes to the Dress".  She cannot explain WHY these shows attract her, but they do.

What is the 'hook' some of these shows have to target her age and gender?

I know advertising (which pays for all of television) has to show businesses the age, gender, income, ethnic makeup, etc  of each show so they can sell commercial time to their target audience. (Tampon commercials during football - bad idea.  During Desperate Housewives - good idea)

Are there any websites you can go to, type in a show and see who the target audience for the show is?

LadyMerton · Accepted Answer

While not giving specfics maybe some of the Info at this site ( Math in the Media) could help

http://www.frankwbaker.com/matharticles.htm


also- this site has lots of Ratings related Info and a FAQ section

http://tvbythenumbers.com/


TV uses "focus groups' quite often as well

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/comment/hiestand/2002-04-08-hiestand.htm

http://www.marketreaderpro.com/Market_Research_Television_Industry.asp

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How do television programs "target" their audience?

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