The rise of syndication refers to the growing practice in television during the late 20th century where programs, after their initial run on major networks, are sold to local TV stations for rebroadcasting. This practice allowed for increased revenue streams for production companies and expanded the reach of shows beyond their original audience, fostering a new landscape in television distribution.
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Syndication became a major force in television starting in the 1970s, reshaping how shows were produced, marketed, and consumed.
Shows that achieved syndication status typically needed to reach a minimum number of episodes, usually around 100, to become attractive for local station airing.
Syndication allowed older shows to find new audiences and provided a reliable source of income for producers long after the original airing.
The rise of syndication contributed to the decline of network dominance as local stations gained more control over their programming choices.
Popular shows that entered syndication often had a significant cultural impact, as they could be viewed by audiences across multiple generations.
Review Questions
How did the rise of syndication change the landscape of television viewing?
The rise of syndication transformed television viewing by allowing audiences access to shows long after their initial broadcasts. It expanded the reach of popular programs to local markets, giving viewers more options and increasing competition among networks and local stations. This shift not only provided additional revenue streams for producers but also changed viewer habits, making reruns an integral part of television culture.
What economic impacts did syndication have on both production companies and local television stations?
Syndication created significant economic benefits for production companies by providing ongoing revenue through licensing agreements with local stations. This income stream incentivized the production of more content aimed at syndication, changing how programs were developed and marketed. For local television stations, acquiring syndicated shows meant greater programming flexibility and a chance to attract viewers with established hits, allowing them to compete more effectively against major networks.
Evaluate the role of syndication in diminishing the power of major networks within the television industry.
Syndication played a critical role in diminishing the power of major networks by diversifying content availability and empowering local stations. As syndication allowed older shows to be aired repeatedly across different markets, it challenged the traditional model where networks dictated what viewers could watch at specific times. This shift not only allowed local stations to curate their programming but also led to increased viewer loyalty and engagement with their chosen channels, ultimately reshaping the dynamics between networks and local broadcasters.
Related terms
Network Television: A system where national broadcasters provide programming to local affiliates, relying heavily on advertising revenue and viewer ratings.
First-run Syndication: A distribution strategy where shows are created specifically for syndication and air directly to local stations without being broadcast on a major network first.
Off-Network Syndication: The process by which previously aired television shows are sold to local stations for reruns after their original network run has ended.