Any General Hospital Fans??or Soap opera fans in general??

Question

What are Feburary, May,and Sweeps? Why do they call them that and why does the biggest storylines take place during this time?
I know its alot of questions but I was just reading a few spoilers and they keep talking about sweeps...

Answer 1

Much of the ratings system consists of the completion by viewers of ratings diaries, in which a viewer records his or her viewing habits, generally for a week, in exchange for being advanced a nominal fee. These diaries play an especially important role during the four sweeps periods conducted in February, May, July and November in an attempt to measure smaller local market audiences in markets that are not covered by People Meter samples already.

The term "sweep" refers to how the diaries were handled by Nielsen Media when the ratings were first produced: They are mailed to the households and processed by starting on the East Coast and "sweeping" across the nation.

Television networks and other programmers make unusual efforts to attract additional viewers during these periods, including airing mostly first-run programming as opposed to repeats, airing more special broadcasts, and including special content in programming such as guest stars, controversial and unexpected plots or topics, extended episodes, finales, and increased competition in advertising. Even news programs are often involved, airing especially controversial or titillating investigative reports and promotions. For this reason, the "sweeps" system of national ratings has been criticized as not representative of typical programming, and encouraging an increase in content of concern such as violence and explicit sexuality. Outside of these peak periods it is more common to see reruns of television programs.

Answer 2

General hospital is my favourite soap. I am puzzled also by sweeps, perhaps its the time when they will pick who gets nominated for an award at The daytime Emmy awards......