Designated Market Area
A Designated Market Area (DMA) is a geographic region in the United States where the population receives the same television and radio station offerings. These regions are defined by Nielsen, the global measurement and data analytics company.
The United States is divided into 210 DMAs, ranging from the New York DMA (the largest, reaching over 7 million TV households) to smaller regional markets like Glendive, MT (3,600 households).
Market Tiers & Selection Limits
DMAs are organized into tiers based on market size. Your selection is limited based on the tier:
Tier 1: 1 Market Only
Top 10 metros (New York, LA, Chicago)
Tier 2: Up to 2 Markets
Markets 11-25 (Seattle, Denver, Miami)
Tier 3: Up to 3 Markets
Markets 26-50 (Nashville, Austin)
Tier 4: Up to 4 Markets
Markets 51-100 (growing metros)
Tier 5: Up to 5 Markets
Markets 101+ (regional markets)
Why Single-Tier Selection?
- Consistent CPM Rates: Markets within the same tier have similar advertising costs
- Comparable Audiences: Similar market sizes ensure balanced campaign reach
- Budget Optimization: Easier to plan and allocate your advertising spend
- Strategic Alignment: Focus your efforts on markets that match your goals
Who Uses DMA Targeting?
Retail Chains
Auto Dealerships
Healthcare Systems
Restaurants
Political Campaigns
Real Estate
Law Firms
Financial Services
Travel & Tourism
Universities