Watch Out, Listen Up! is NOW's campaign to create a more socially responsible and diverse U.S. media. Teams of Feminist Field Analysts will monitor prime-time network programming during the February Sweeps Month. While Nielsen rates television shows based on popularity, NOW will evaluate them based on content. The feminist analysts will rate programs by documenting the amount of violence, stereotypes, sexual exploitation and social responsibility.
"The release of NOW's program ratings will be a moment of truth for the networks. Feminist viewers across the country will decide if ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC measure-up when it comes to treatment of women," Ireland said. NOW will analyze the results of the feminist television surveys and issue a report of the survey's findings at the beginning of the May Sweeps period.
"Media activism is crucial in the fight for women's rights. Watch Out, Listen Up! is another step toward making television more relevant to women's lives and more responsive to women's needs," Ireland said. "Stay tuned to NOW to find out if the networks will get cheers or jeers from women!"
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Ireland is available for comment. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact the Media Relations Office at 202-628-8669, ext. 114.