Measurement of popularity of sailors (7)

I believe the answer is:

ratings

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'sailors' is the definition.
(British term for naval enlisted men)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for ratings that I've seen before include "chased by TV companies?" , "Staring at classifications" , "sought by broadcasters?" , "Appraisals of the value of" , "TV producers often chase" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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