Producers use audience research, market research, and production research to define their target documentary audiences. Audience research involves qualitative and quantitative methods to understand opinions and needs. Market research examines socioeconomic factors, psychographics, demographics, and more to identify the relevant market. Production research considers costs, viability, and content to tailor the documentary for its target size category. Broadcast rankings show documentaries declining in popularity relative to genres like soaps, sports, and talent shows, so producers research television preferences to match audience interests.