background
networks
linking stations together
O&Os
VHF
UHF
- channels 14-83, 14-60
association with radio
most of the content of TV came from radio, direct descendants
affiliates
like franchises; who owns the rest of the stations
FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
-initially treated TV like radio
syndication
independent company that gets together content and makes it available to whatever station will buy it; includes theatrical films
-used to fill time that was not filled with network programs (ads also filled gaps)
financed with ads
commercials
-came from radio
1950
10% of Americans with TVs
1960
90% of Americans with TVs
Development of Video Tape
errors in love telecasting
common
-actors forgot lines; unexpected events
financial reasons to switch to video tape
can show the same shwo multiple times; can sell into syndication market
negative influences on political process
- advertising - selling candidates through ads
network-affiliate relationship
locally produced programming
- local news; some talk shows; local brewed kid show
independent stations
not owned or affiliated by network, going alone
powerful
dominant leisure activity in U.S.
delivering messages for widest possible dissemination
reach most of poeple, most of the time
lowest common denominator
some audience distinction between networks but still about LCD
DBS (direct broadcast satellite)
5 ways people can watch TV
over-the-air broadcast; cable; satellite; DVD; internet