Syndication

Definition

Syndication refers to the process of distributing television programs to multiple television stations or networks, allowing these entities to broadcast the same content without having to produce it themselves. This practice enables shows to reach a wider audience and can be particularly beneficial for both producers and broadcasters by maximizing profit and minimizing costs. Syndication plays a crucial role in the television industry by influencing programming strategies, advertising revenue, and viewer access.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Syndicated programs often include talk shows, game shows, and sitcoms that can be sold to various local stations across the country.
2. Successful syndicated shows can generate significant revenue through advertising sales, especially if they attract a loyal audience.
3. Syndication can lead to a program being seen in different time slots on various channels, increasing its visibility and potential viewer base.
4. The success of syndication is often influenced by ratings; programs that perform well in initial runs are more likely to be picked up for syndication.
5. Local stations may use syndicated content to fill gaps in their programming schedule or complement their original content.

Review Questions

• How does syndication impact the programming strategies of local television stations?
  • Syndication significantly impacts local television stations by providing them with ready-made content that can fill their programming schedules without the cost and effort of production. This allows stations to focus on original programming while still offering popular syndicated shows that attract viewers. As a result, stations can create a balanced schedule that includes both unique content and familiar syndicated programs, which helps boost their overall ratings and advertising revenue.
• Discuss the differences between first-run syndication and off-network syndication, including examples of each.
  • First-run syndication involves programs that are created specifically for syndication and sold directly to local stations before airing on any network. An example is 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' which was produced for syndication. Off-network syndication, on the other hand, refers to reruns of shows that originally aired on a network and are then sold for syndication after their initial run ends. An example is 'Friends,' which continues to be broadcast on various networks in reruns due to its enduring popularity. The main difference lies in whether the content is original or previously aired.
• Evaluate the economic implications of syndication for both content producers and local broadcasters.
  • Syndication has significant economic implications for both content producers and local broadcasters. For producers, successful syndication can lead to substantial profits from selling shows multiple times across different markets, thereby maximizing returns on investment. This is especially true if a show achieves high ratings during its initial run. For local broadcasters, syndication allows them to acquire appealing content without incurring the high production costs associated with creating new shows. This symbiotic relationship enables broadcasters to draw viewers and advertisers while providing producers with ongoing revenue streams from successful properties.

Related terms

First-run Syndication: First-run syndication involves selling a television program directly to local stations for broadcast, typically before it has aired on any network.

Off-network Syndication: Off-network syndication refers to the distribution of reruns of shows that have already aired on a network, allowing local stations to fill their programming schedules with popular past content.

Program Licensing: Program licensing is the legal authorization granted by a content producer or rights holder to broadcasters or platforms, permitting them to air specific television programs.