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Designated Market Areas (DMAs) are regions where the population receives similar television offerings and advertisements. Each DMA represents a distinct television market, often centered around a major city or region. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates these areas to manage local broadcasts and ensure that cable and satellite subscribers receive the appropriate channels.
DMAs are essential for broadcasters and advertisers, helping them to target their audiences effectively and allocate resources efficiently. The map of the United States below, created by Reddit user newcastle104, shows all 210 DMAs of the nation.
The table below ranks the 25 largest television markets in the United States based on the number of viewers. Understanding these markets is crucial for advertisers and broadcasters to grasp where the largest audiences are concentrated.
Rank
Market
Viewers (in millions)
1
New York
7.4
2
Los Angeles
5.7
3
Chicago
3.5
4
Philadelphia
2.9
5
Dallas-Fort Worth
2.8
6
Houston
2.5
7
Atlanta
2.4
8
Boston (Manchester)
2.3
9
Washington, D.C. (Hagerstown)
2.2
10
San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose
2.1
11
Phoenix (Prescott)
1.8
12
Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota)
1.7
13
Seattle-Tacoma
1.7
14
Detroit
1.6
15
Minneapolis-St. Paul
1.6
16
Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne
1.5
17
Denver
1.5
18
Miami-Fort Lauderdale
1.4
19
Cleveland-Akron (Canton)
1.4
20
Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto
1.4
21
Portland, OR
1.3
22
Charlotte
1.3
23
St. Louis
1.3
24
Pittsburgh
1.2
25
Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville)
1.2
Importance of Television Market Areas
Television Market Areas (TMAs) play a significant role in broadcasting and advertising. They determine which television stations are available to local viewers and influence local programming decisions. TMAs are also used by Nielsen Media Research to measure viewership and determine advertising rates.
Interesting Facts About DMAs
Historical Context: Nielsen Media Research has been using DMAs to measure television audiences since the 1950s. The concept has evolved to accommodate changes in technology and viewing habits.
Digital Transition: The transition to digital television broadcasting has expanded the reach of many DMAs. Some areas that previously received limited signals can now access a broader range of channels.
Regional Variations: The size and composition of DMAs can vary significantly. For example, the New York DMA covers parts of Connecticut and New Jersey, reflecting the broad reach of New York City’s television stations.
