Final answer:
Total audience refers to the percentage of homes in a given area where TV is being watched during a specific time period, reflecting the reach of a program's viewership to advertisers and marketers.
Step-by-step explanation:
In seeking to understand the concept of total audience in the context of television viewership and marketing demographics, it is vital to recognize the proper definition. The correct choice is E. It is the percentage of homes in a given area where TV is being watched during a specific time period. The total audience measures the scope of viewership that a particular telecast or program reaches, which is essential data for advertisers and marketers. It is not just about the households turning on a TV, but those actively tuning into a specific program or channel during a defined time slot.
When we say total audience, we are referring to the holistic measure of a program's reach, which includes the viewership during the entire length of the program and not solely a five-minute segment. This is different from the other options like the old-style audimeter technology, which is a tool to measure audiences rather than a measure itself.
With an understanding of what total audience encompasses, companies can more effectively connect with consumers and tailor their advertising campaigns to meet the desires and interests of their target demographics.