How do TV producers/directors/screenwriters find out how their fans feel about their show?

[Natalie Sandoval]

I'm asking because I'd like have to my opinion about a show voiced and heard. As an example of what I mean, if the producer/writer (not sure who's in charge of these things) were to introduce a new character, and this character is majorly disliked by the fan-base, then the producer would have that character killed or otherwise taken off the show, right? The writers try to appease their fans. But how is it that they found out about the fans' opinions? Do they stalk the show's forums, or is there somewhere specifically that fans can go to voice their thoughts and where the writers are sure to notice? Or is this done the old fashion way, by sending in letters?

I'd appreciate any answer. Thank you in advance.

[girlchild222]

Quite a variety of ways actually. In the old days, they relied entirely on ratings to tell them how the public was reacting to their shows. Now, the social media monster in which we live has expanded their ability to sense public opinion. they have people specifically assigned to peruse twitter hashtags, tumblr, facebook comments and fan forums to get a feel for the public voice. Quite a few TV stations offer surveys or voting campaigns to their followers (FB, twitter, etc.) once in awhile to allow them to voice their opinions. You can still write letters and emails to stations (usually listed under their contact information), however, overall the decisions they make involving characters, ect., on the show come down to the station. They try to please fans, but 9 times out of 10 anything they do regarding the show is mostly their own decision.