Below is a list of top 20 shows in prime-time in viewership numbers compiled by Nielsen Media Research for Nov. 24-30, 2008.

1. “Dancing With the Stars,” ABC, 21.1 million viewers.
2. “Dancing With the Stars Results,” ABC, 20.65 million viewers.
3. “60 Minutes,” CBS, 18.64 million viewers.
4. “NCIS,” CBS, 18.12 million viewers.
5. “The Mentalist,” CBS, 15.93 million viewers.
6. “Sunday Night Football: Chicago at Minnesota,” NBC, 15.92 million viewers.
7. “Desperate Housewives,” ABC, 15.81 million viewers.
8. “Two And a Half Men,” CBS, 14.95 million viewers.
9. “CSI: Miami,” CBS, 14.33 million viewers.
10. “Criminal Minds,” CBS, 14.11 million viewers.
11. “House,” Fox, 12.87 million viewers.
12. “CSI: NY,” CBS, 12.3 million viewers.
13. “Amazing Race 13,” CBS, 11.83 million viewers.
14. “Barbara Walters Special,” ABC, 11.61 million viewers.
15. “Cold Case,” CBS, 11.52 million viewers.
16. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” ABC, 11.33 million viewers.
17. “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” ABC, 11.08 million viewers.
18. “Sunday Night NFL Pre-Kick,” NBC, 10.82 million viewers.
19. “Samantha Who?” ABC, 10.71 million viewers.
20. “CSI: Thanksgiving Special,” CBS, 10.68 million viewers.

But how many of these shows truly reflect minority viewership?

Let’s face it, the typical Nielsen family is White, has at least two children and is middle class.

Basically, leaving a large portion of the U.S. population out.

It is usually this demographic that decides what television programs stay on the air or are axed.

And alot of television shows popular with Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Indians and other minorities never make the cut with this demographic.

And it’s not fair!

If the Nielsen Media Research company truly wants to do it’s job, then they need to diversify their research and have an equal number of television meters in all races homes, ask people of all colors and creeds to fill out a Nielsen ratings television diary and ask all viewers regardless of race questions about television programs by mail or over the telephone.

Just to be fair.

Even if it means having to go into poor crime-infested neighborhoods that some minorities may live in.

For the simple fact that all people were created equal and the Nielsen Media Research company needs to remember that.

Hey Nielsen Media Research, if you can’t take the heat then get out of the kitchen!