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The term "Big Three" in American television history exclusively refers to NBC, CBS, and Fox.
Answer: False
Explanation: The designation "Big Three" historically refers to NBC, CBS, and ABC. Fox Broadcasting Company is typically included in the subsequent "Big Four" designation.
Commercial television broadcasting in the United States officially began in 1950.
Answer: False
Explanation: Commercial television broadcasting in the United States officially commenced on July 1, 1941, not 1950.
The DuMont Television Network was a major competitor to the "Big Three" and successfully operated into the 1990s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The DuMont Television Network was an early competitor but ceased regular programming in 1955, not the 1990s.
PBS is considered one of the "Big" television networks due to its extensive reach.
Answer: False
Explanation: PBS is not considered one of the "Big" commercial networks due to its noncommercial operational model and unique ownership structure, differing from the commercial broadcast networks.
The "network era" of American television is characterized by the dominance of numerous independent local stations.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "network era" was characterized by the dominance of a few major broadcast networks, not numerous independent local stations, which held limited programming control during this period.
The DuMont Television Network was unique because it was founded as a television network, not originating from radio.
Answer: True
Explanation: The DuMont Television Network was indeed unique among early major networks as it was founded specifically as a television network, unlike the "Big Three" (NBC, CBS, ABC) which originated from radio broadcasting.
The "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) controlled virtually all top-rated programming during the network era.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the network era, the "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) indeed held near-monopolistic control over virtually all top-rated programming and major telecasts.
PBS operates as a commercial service, similar to the "Big Four" networks.
Answer: False
Explanation: PBS operates as a noncommercial public broadcasting service and is structured differently from the commercial "Big Four" networks, which rely on advertising revenue and corporate ownership.
The "network era" refers to a period when local stations had more programming control than national networks.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "network era" signifies a period of dominance by national networks (primarily the "Big Three"), where they controlled the vast majority of programming and viewership, contrary to local stations having greater control.
During the network era, NBC, CBS, and ABC held near-monopolistic control over television programming.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the network era, the "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) indeed held near-monopolistic control over virtually all top-rated programming and major telecasts.
The "Big Three" networks primarily aired programming sourced from independent local stations.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the network era, the "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) were the primary sources of programming, controlling national broadcasts rather than airing content sourced predominantly from independent local stations.
What is the informal term used to describe the dominant U.S. commercial broadcast television networks from the 1950s to the 1980s?
Answer: The Big Three
Explanation: The informal term used to describe the dominant U.S. commercial broadcast television networks from the 1950s to the 1980s, during the network era, is the "Big Three."
When did commercial television broadcasting officially begin in the United States?
Answer: July 1, 1941
Explanation: Commercial television broadcasting in the United States officially began on July 1, 1941.
Why is PBS not considered one of the "Big" television networks?
Answer: Its member stations own the network, unlike the commercial model.
Explanation: PBS is not considered one of the "Big" networks because it operates as a noncommercial service, and its member stations own the network, distinguishing it from the commercial broadcast model.
What characterized the "network era" of American television?
Answer: A small number of major broadcast networks controlling programming and viewership.
Explanation: The "network era" was characterized by the dominance of a small number of major broadcast networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) that controlled programming and viewership, rather than by the dominance of independent local stations or the prevalence of cable television.
How did the DuMont Television Network's origins differ from the "Big Three" networks?
Answer: It did not originate from a radio network.
Explanation: The DuMont Television Network differed from the "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) in that it did not originate from a radio network; it was founded specifically as a television network.
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) was originally part of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC).
Answer: True
Explanation: ABC originated from the divestiture of NBC's Blue Network due to antitrust regulations imposed by the U.S. government.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) played a role in the creation of ABC by forcing CBS to sell its radio network.
Answer: False
Explanation: The FCC's role in ABC's creation involved forcing NBC to sell its Blue Network due to antitrust concerns, not compelling CBS to sell its radio network.
The U.S. government's antitrust actions led to the formation of ABC from NBC's assets.
Answer: True
Explanation: Antitrust actions by the U.S. government compelled NBC to divest its Blue Network, which subsequently became the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
Which networks constituted the original "Big Three"?
Answer: NBC, CBS, and ABC
Explanation: The original "Big Three" networks were NBC (National Broadcasting Company), CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System), and ABC (American Broadcasting Company).
How did the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) originate?
Answer: It was created from the sale of NBC's Blue Network due to antitrust regulations.
Explanation: ABC originated from the sale of NBC's Blue Network, a divestiture mandated by U.S. government antitrust regulations.
The U.S. government's antitrust ruling regarding NBC led directly to the creation of which network?
Answer: ABC
Explanation: The U.S. government's antitrust ruling regarding NBC led directly to the creation of ABC from the divestiture of NBC's Blue Network.
The "Big Four" designation in American television includes NBC, CBS, ABC, and the Fox Broadcasting Company.
Answer: True
Explanation: The "Big Four" designation encompasses the original "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) along with the Fox Broadcasting Company, reflecting its emergence as a significant competitor.
Fox Broadcasting Company was founded using assets from the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Answer: False
Explanation: Fox Broadcasting Company was founded using assets derived from the former DuMont network, not the Mutual Broadcasting System.
The implementation of "must-carry" rules in 1994 was a significant factor in Fox's rise to major network status.
Answer: True
Explanation: The implementation of "must-carry" rules in 1994 was indeed a crucial factor that facilitated Fox's expansion and ascent to major network status by ensuring its affiliates' carriage on cable systems.
The acquisition of National Football League (NFL) broadcast rights was a minor factor in Fox's growth.
Answer: False
Explanation: The acquisition of National Football League (NFL) broadcast rights was a major and crucial factor in Fox's significant growth and establishment as a competitive network.
The DuMont Television Network's assets were foundational for the creation of the Fox Broadcasting Company.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following DuMont's cessation of operations, its assets were acquired by Metromedia, which subsequently formed the foundation for the launch of the Fox Broadcasting Company.
The "Big Four" designation is synonymous with the "Big Three" designation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The "Big Four" designation is not synonymous with the "Big Three"; it includes the original "Big Three" (NBC, CBS, ABC) plus the Fox Broadcasting Company.
The launch of Fox Broadcasting Company in 1986 did not significantly alter the established television landscape.
Answer: False
Explanation: The launch of Fox Broadcasting Company in 1986 significantly altered the established television landscape by introducing a viable fourth competitive network.
What term collectively refers to the "Big Three" networks plus the Fox Broadcasting Company?
Answer: The Big Four
Explanation: The term that collectively refers to the "Big Three" networks (NBC, CBS, ABC) plus the Fox Broadcasting Company is the "Big Four."
Which network emerged as a competitive fourth network starting in October 1986?
Answer: Fox Broadcasting Company
Explanation: The Fox Broadcasting Company emerged as a competitive fourth network starting in October 1986.
Which of the following was a key factor in Fox's rise to major network status in the mid-1990s?
Answer: Implementation of "must-carry" rules for cable systems
Explanation: The implementation of "must-carry" rules for cable systems in 1994 was a key factor in Fox's rise to major network status, ensuring its affiliates' carriage.
The acquisition of which sports league's broadcast rights was a crucial factor in Fox's rise?
Answer: National Football League (NFL)
Explanation: The acquisition of the National Football League (NFL) broadcast rights was a crucial factor in Fox's rise to major network status.
The WB and UPN were launched in 1995 and were later merged to form The CW television network.
Answer: True
Explanation: The WB and UPN were indeed launched in 1995, and their eventual merger in 2006 led to the formation of The CW television network.
The WB 100+ Station Group was designed to provide programming primarily to major metropolitan markets.
Answer: False
Explanation: The WB 100+ Station Group was established to deliver network programming to smaller markets that might not have supported a traditional affiliate, rather than focusing on major metropolitan areas.
UPN primarily aired sports programming, including the XFL and "WWF SmackDown!."
Answer: True
Explanation: While UPN aired prime time and children's programming, it notably included sports programming such as the XFL and "WWF SmackDown!" in its schedule.
The CW television network was created solely by Time Warner.
Answer: False
Explanation: The CW television network was established as a joint venture between the parent companies of The WB (Time Warner) and UPN (CBS Corporation), not solely by Time Warner.
The series "Supernatural" concluded its run on The WB in 2020.
Answer: False
Explanation: The series "Supernatural" concluded its run on The CW in 2020, having originated on The WB.
MyNetworkTV was launched by CBS in 2006.
Answer: False
Explanation: MyNetworkTV was launched by Fox in 2006, not CBS.
Pax TV, launched in 1998, eventually became known as Ion Television.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pax TV, launched in 1998, underwent rebranding and eventually became known as Ion Television.
The NTA Film Network distributed its programming via traditional broadcast wires.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NTA Film Network distributed its programming entirely by mail, not through traditional broadcast wires.
The creation of The CW television network was primarily driven by the success of The WB and UPN.
Answer: False
Explanation: The creation of The CW television network was primarily driven by the financial struggles and declining viewership of The WB and UPN, necessitating a merger to create a more viable entity, rather than by their success.
The NTA Film Network operated from 1956 to 1961 and distributed programming via traditional broadcast wires.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NTA Film Network operated from 1956 to 1961 but distributed its programming entirely by mail, not via traditional broadcast wires.
Which two networks, launched in 1995, eventually merged to form The CW?
Answer: The WB and UPN
Explanation: The WB and UPN, both launched in 1995, eventually merged to form The CW television network.
What was the primary purpose of The WB 100+ Station Group?
Answer: To deliver network programming to smaller markets not served by traditional affiliates.
Explanation: The primary purpose of The WB 100+ Station Group was to deliver network programming to smaller markets that might not have supported a traditional affiliate, thereby expanding The WB's reach.
Which of the following was a notable programming offering for UPN?
Answer: Sports programming like "WWF SmackDown!"
Explanation: A notable programming offering for UPN included sports programming, such as the XFL and "WWF SmackDown!."
How did The CW television network come into existence?
Answer: It was launched as a joint venture by the parent companies of The WB and UPN.
Explanation: The CW television network was jointly launched in 2006 by the parent companies of The WB and UPN, Time Warner and CBS Corporation, respectively. This initiative followed the cessation of operations for both The WB and UPN due to persistent viewership and financial challenges.
Which long-running series, originally from The WB, continued its run on The CW until its finale in 2020?
Answer: Supernatural
Explanation: The series "Supernatural," which originated on The WB, continued its broadcast on The CW until its conclusion in 2020.
What was MyNetworkTV's initial programming focus when launched by Fox in 2006?
Answer: English-language telenovelas
Explanation: MyNetworkTV, launched by Fox in 2006, initially focused on airing English-language telenovelas.
Pax TV, launched in 1998, eventually evolved into which network?
Answer: Ion Television
Explanation: Pax TV, launched in 1998, underwent rebranding and eventually evolved into Ion Television.
What was unique about the NTA Film Network's distribution method?
Answer: Its programming was distributed entirely by mail.
Explanation: The NTA Film Network's distribution method was unique because its programming was distributed entirely by mail, rather than through traditional broadcast wires or affiliate networks.
What was the primary reason for the creation of The CW television network?
Answer: To consolidate the strengths of two struggling networks into one more competitive entity.
Explanation: The primary reason for the creation of The CW television network was to consolidate the strengths of two struggling networks, The WB and UPN, into a single, more competitive entity.
Fox has consistently been the most-watched network in terms of overall ratings throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Fox achieved significant success, particularly in the 18-49 demographic and sometimes surpassing ABC and NBC in primetime, it did not consistently hold the position of the most-watched network overall during the entire 2000s and early 2010s.
Fox provides extensive national morning and evening news programs, similar to CBS and NBC.
Answer: False
Explanation: Fox's programming strategy differs from the traditional "Big Three" in that it does not offer extensive national morning and evening news programs or significant daytime programming.
In October 2022, Nexstar Media Group acquired full ownership of The CW.
Answer: False
Explanation: In October 2022, Nexstar Media Group acquired a 75% ownership stake in The CW, not full ownership. The former joint owners retained a minority stake.
Each of the "Big Four" networks is currently owned by a different, independent media company.
Answer: False
Explanation: Currently, each of the "Big Four" networks is owned by a large media conglomerate, allowing for significant corporate synergy across diverse media assets.
NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, also owns Universal Pictures and the Peacock streaming service.
Answer: True
Explanation: NBCUniversal, owned by Comcast, indeed possesses extensive assets including Universal Pictures and the Peacock streaming service, among others.
Paramount Skydance currently owns CBS and The CW, along with Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paramount Skydance is the owner of CBS and Paramount Pictures, and holds a stake in The CW, alongside other properties like Nickelodeon.
The Walt Disney Company owns ABC, along with Disney Experiences and Walt Disney Pictures.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Walt Disney Company owns ABC, and its vast portfolio includes Disney Experiences, Walt Disney Pictures, and numerous other entertainment and media properties.
Fox Corporation owns Fox and MyNetworkTV, as well as Fox News and Tubi.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fox Corporation is the owner of the Fox broadcast network and MyNetworkTV, in addition to media assets such as Fox News and the streaming service Tubi.
Fox's dominance in the 18-49 demographic during the 2000s was primarily attributed to its children's programming.
Answer: False
Explanation: Fox's dominance in the 18-49 demographic during the 2000s was primarily attributed to its successful primetime programming, notably "American Idol," and its National Football League (NFL) broadcast rights, not children's programming.
Currently, the major broadcast networks are owned by large media conglomerates that allow for corporate synergy.
Answer: True
Explanation: The current ownership structure of the major broadcast networks by large media conglomerates facilitates significant corporate synergy across their diverse media assets.
During the 2000s, Fox often surpassed which established networks in primetime ratings?
Answer: ABC and NBC
Explanation: During the 2000s, Fox often surpassed ABC and NBC in primetime ratings, becoming a significant competitor to CBS.
How does Fox's programming schedule typically differ from that of the traditional "Big Three" networks?
Answer: Fox lacks national morning and evening news programs and daytime programming.
Explanation: Fox's programming schedule typically differs by lacking extensive national morning and evening news programs and daytime programming, unlike the traditional "Big Three" networks.
What significant ownership change occurred for The CW in October 2022?
Answer: Nexstar Media Group acquired a 75% ownership stake.
Explanation: In October 2022, Nexstar Media Group acquired a 75% ownership stake in The CW. The former joint owners, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, retained a 25% minority stake.
What enables corporate synergy for the "Big Four" networks today?
Answer: Their ownership by large media conglomerates with diverse assets.
Explanation: Corporate synergy for the "Big Four" networks today is enabled by their ownership by large media conglomerates, which allows for integration with diverse media assets such as cable channels, film studios, and streaming services.
NBC is owned by which media conglomerate?
Answer: Comcast (NBCUniversal)
Explanation: NBC is owned by Comcast, operating under the NBCUniversal division.
Which media conglomerate owns CBS and The CW, along with Paramount Pictures?
Answer: Paramount Skydance
Explanation: Paramount Skydance owns CBS and Paramount Pictures, and holds a stake in The CW, alongside other properties like Nickelodeon.
The Walt Disney Company owns which major broadcast network?
Answer: ABC
Explanation: The Walt Disney Company owns the American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
By 2007, the combined market share of the "Big Four" broadcast networks had significantly increased, exceeding 50%.
Answer: False
Explanation: By 2007, the combined market share of the "Big Four" broadcast networks had significantly decreased, estimated at approximately 32%, reflecting increased competition.
Competition from streaming services like Netflix has not impacted the market share of major broadcast networks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Competition from streaming services, alongside other media platforms, has demonstrably impacted and contributed to the decline in market share for major broadcast networks.
The collective market share of the "Big Four" broadcast networks has remained stable throughout the 21st century.
Answer: False
Explanation: The collective market share of the "Big Four" broadcast networks has experienced a significant decline throughout the 21st century, rather than remaining stable.
Competition from Spanish-language networks has not contributed to the decline of major broadcast networks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Competition from Spanish-language networks, alongside other media forms, is cited as a contributing factor to the decline in market share for major broadcast networks.
What was the estimated collective market share of the "Big Four" broadcast networks by 2007?
Answer: Approximately 32%
Explanation: By 2007, the estimated collective market share of the "Big Four" broadcast networks was approximately 32%.
Which of the following is NOT cited as a factor contributing to the decline in market share for major broadcast networks in the 21st century?
Answer: Increased popularity of local news programming
Explanation: Increased popularity of local news programming is NOT cited as a factor contributing to the decline in market share for major broadcast networks; rather, competition from streaming services, Spanish-language networks, and cable channels are cited.