TAM
(tæm)
Also Tam, etc.
[f. the initial letters of television audience measurement (see below).]
Used in Comb., usu. as TAM rating, to denote a measure of the number of people watching a particular television programme as estimated by the company Television Audience Measurement Ltd. Also absol., the company itself.
| 1958 Observer 14 Dec. 15/1 In the telly-dominated world, where everybody from a philosopher to a flat⁓catcher is judged by his tam-rating, it was encouraging to see originality break through the crust of diffidence. 1959 Listener 24 Sept. 501/1 Head-hunting rivalry is understandable, but why does the type of head matter? Egg-shaped or with forehead villainous low, all are equal in the sight of TAM. 1960 Spectator 14 Oct. 565 Processed and packaged..down to strip-cartoon versions compatible with the maximum Tam ratings. 1963 Daily Tel. 17 Oct. 16/2 According to TAM figures published last Friday, [etc.]. 1966 Punch 24 Aug. 302/3 The first episode topped the Tamratings. 1975 Ld. Hailsham Door wherein I Went xxv. 158 They have their own fish to fry, their TAM ratings, their circulations, their Charters, their editorial policies, even their advertisers. |