What is broadcast syndication?

Broadcast syndication is the practice where content owners lease the rights to broadcast their content to other television or radio stations, bypassing the need for an official broadcast network to air it.

How does broadcast syndication differ in the United States compared to the rest of the world?

In the United States, broadcast syndication is common due to the scheduling of programming by television networks with local independent affiliates. In contrast, syndication is less widespread globally because most countries have centralized networks or stations without local affiliates.

What are the three common types of broadcast syndication mentioned in the text?

The three common types of broadcast syndication are first-run syndication (programming broadcast for the first time as a syndicated show), off-network syndication (licensing of a program whose first airing was on a network or first-run syndication, often referred to as a rerun), and public broadcasting syndication.

What defines first-run syndication?

First-run syndication involves programs that are broadcast for the very first time as a syndicated show, often created specifically for the purpose of selling them directly into syndication rather than for a particular network.

What is off-network syndication, and what is its colloquial term?

Off-network syndication is the licensing of a program, which originally aired on a broadcast network or in first-run syndication, to other individual stations for local broadcast. Colloquially, this is known as a rerun.

When does a show typically enter off-network syndication based on episode count?

A show usually enters off-network syndication when it has accumulated approximately four seasons' worth of episodes, typically between 80 and 100 episodes, although some genres may require as few as 65 episodes.

How can successful off-network syndication impact a show's profitability?

Successful shows in syndication can cover their production costs and generate a profit, even if the show was not profitable during its initial network run.

What is the primary goal of a production company or syndicator when licensing a show?

The primary goal is to license the show to one station in each media market or to a commonly owned station group, both domestically and internationally, to maximize its reach and revenue.

How does syndication differ from licensing a show to a television network in terms of scheduling?

When a show is licensed to a network, it is typically guaranteed to air on most or all of the network's affiliates simultaneously. Syndicated shows, however, are licensed to individual stations, allowing for more flexible scheduling in local markets.

What is the 'barter' system in syndication?

Barter is a type of syndication deal where a syndicator provides a program to stations in exchange for a share of the advertising revenue or airtime, rather than receiving direct cash payment.

How has the relaxation of station ownership regulations in the U.S. affected syndication?

The relaxation of regulations since the 1970s has made it more efficient for syndicators to gain widespread national clearances by licensing programs to station groups that own multiple stations across different markets.

What advantage do producers of first-run syndicated programs sometimes have over network programs?

Producers of first-run syndicated programs often enjoy more creative freedom due to the absence of network standards and practices departments, allowing them to explore innovative ideas that networks might be hesitant to air.

Who was a major pioneer in first-run television syndication?

Ziv Television Programs was a major pioneer in first-run television syndication, establishing itself after success in radio syndication and creating several long-running series in the 1950s.

What was Ziv's first major TV hit, and what was its significance regarding color filming?

Ziv's first major TV hit was *The Cisco Kid*. Ziv had the foresight to film it in color, an innovative practice for the early days of television syndication when color broadcasting was still nascent and not widely supported by stations.

What was the significance of *Second City Television* in syndication?

*Second City Television* (SCTV), a Canadian sketch-comedy series, began appearing on U.S. television stations in syndication in 1977 and later found a home on NBC and premium cable channels.

What was the impact of *Star Trek: The Next Generation*'s success on the syndicated market?

*Star Trek: The Next Generation*'s debut in 1987 and subsequent success as the most-watched syndicated show for seven years spurred the debut of many other syndicated series.

Why are sitcoms generally preferred for off-network syndication over hour-long dramas?

Sitcoms are preferred because they are typically less serialized, allowing them to be run non-sequentially, which is more beneficial and less costly for local stations acquiring the rights.

How can syndication increase the popularity of a series that only experienced moderate success during its network run?

Syndication can expose a show to new audiences or re-engage existing ones, leading to increased popularity. A prime example is the original *Star Trek* series, which became a worldwide phenomenon in syndication after a modest network run.

What is the most common form of off-network syndication?

The most common form is strip syndication, also known as daily syndication, where episodes of a series are shown five times a week in the same time slot.

What was the impact of the emergence of barter syndication in the 1980s on independent stations?

Barter syndication allowed independent stations to acquire programming without needing cash, contributing to a significant growth in their numbers, from fewer than 100 in 1980 to 328 by 1986.

What are 'cash deals' in syndication?

Cash deals occur when a distributor offers a syndicated program to the highest bidder, meaning stations pay a fee for the broadcast rights.

What are 'barter deals' typically used for?

Barter deals are usually employed for new, untested shows or older, less popular programming, where the distributor receives a fraction of the advertising revenue in exchange for the program.

How does radio syndication generally compare to television syndication in terms of network organization?

Radio syndication differs as radio stations are not typically organized into strict affiliate-only networks. Instead, individual stations decide which shows to carry from various distributors, making radio networks more like distributors of shows rather than centralized programming providers.

What technological advancement made live syndication popular in radio?

The advent of communications satellites in the 1980s made live syndication popular for radio, as it allowed for transmission without the cost and quality issues associated with earlier network lines.

How did the Telecommunications Act of 1996 impact radio syndication?

The Act facilitated significant concentration of media ownership, which in turn accelerated the deployment of both existing and new syndicated radio programs, allowing syndication to eventually surpass the traditional network radio format.

What is one of the best-known internationally syndicated television series?

*The Muppet Show* is cited as one of the best-known internationally syndicated television series, having been shown worldwide, including in the United States and Canada.

What economic factors influence the decision to syndicate a television show internationally?

Economic factors that influence production outside the U.S. play a major role in determining if a show will be syndicated internationally, as distributors assess the economic value and potential viability of sales in foreign markets.

What are the three key reasons a radio station might pick up a syndicated show?

Radio stations typically pick up syndicated shows if the program is unique and difficult to replicate, has a proven track record of decent ratings, or features a celebrity host.

What was the impact of *The Lawrence Welk Show*'s cancellation by ABC?

After ABC canceled *The Lawrence Welk Show* in 1971, it continued to produce new episodes in syndication for another 11 years and is still distributed to PBS stations, demonstrating the longevity possible through syndication.

What was the significance of *The People's Court* in the syndication market?

*The People's Court*, which premiered in 1981, introduced the court show genre into syndication and was the first arbitration-based reality program, a format that later saw a significant surge in popularity.

How did the growth of independent stations in the late 1970s and 1980s affect the market for made-for-television cartoons?

The increase in independent stations created a new market for cartoons specifically made for them, often allowing for greater artistic freedom and looser standards compared to network-produced cartoons.

What was the most successful syndicated game show in the U.S. in the 1970s?

*The Muppet Show* was likely the most successful syndicated show in the United States during the 1970s.

What is 'stripping' in television programming?

Stripping, or 'strip programming,' is a scheduling technique where episodes of a television or radio program are shown daily, typically five times a week, in the same time slot to ensure consistency for targeted audiences.

How did the relaxation of FCC regulations and the creation of new broadcast networks influence independent stations?

The loosening of regulations and the emergence of new networks like The CW Plus and MyNetworkTV allowed many previously independent stations to join these networks, consolidating the broadcast landscape.

What is the typical minimum number of episodes required for a show to be strip syndicated?

Generally, a minimum of 88 episodes, or four seasons, is required for continuous strip syndication over several months, though syndicators often prefer a full 100 episodes.

What was the impact of *Star Trek*'s syndication on the franchise's future?

The original *Star Trek* series, which had modest ratings during its initial network run, became a worldwide phenomenon in off-network syndication, leading to the development of the entire *Star Trek* franchise, including films and subsequent television series.

What types of programs did syndicators begin to offer more of in the early 2000s, especially as fewer first-run scripted series were produced?

As the production of first-run scripted series declined, syndicators increasingly offered 'reality' series, such as *Cheaters* and *Maximum Exposure*, along with dating series, to fill programming slots.

What was the significance of *The Cisco Kid* in television syndication history?

*The Cisco Kid* was Ziv Television Programs' first major TV hit and was significant for being filmed in color, an innovative practice for the early days of television syndication when color broadcasting was still nascent.

How did the FCC's 1971 rulings affect the syndication market for programming in the 'fringe time' hour?

The rulings curtailed networks' ability to program the 7-8 p.m. hour and banned off-network syndicated repeats. While intended to encourage local programming, the more immediate result was an increase in Canadian-produced syndicated dramatic series and the flourishing of game shows in syndication.

What role did *The Muppet Show* play in international syndication?

*The Muppet Show*, produced by Lew Grade's ATV in the UK, was shown worldwide, including in the United States and Canada, becoming one of the most successful and well-known internationally syndicated television series.

What is the difference between a 'cash deal' and a 'cash plus deal' in syndication?

In a cash deal, a distributor sells a program to the highest bidder, meaning stations pay a fee for the broadcast rights. A cash plus deal is similar, but the distributor retains some advertising space to offset the program's cost, offering the station the program for a slightly lower price in exchange for that ad space.

What was the primary reason for the rise of syndicated talk shows like *Donahue* and *Oprah*?

These shows, often described as stripped or strip talk shows, were inexpensive to produce and highly profitable if successful, making them a dominant form of first-run syndication for decades.

How did the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine contribute to the popularity of syndicated talk radio?

The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine is credited with facilitating the rise of national talk radio superstars like Rush Limbaugh, as it allowed for more focused and ideologically driven programming without the obligation to present opposing viewpoints.

What is the primary difference between syndicated music shows and syndicated talk radio programs?

While syndicated music shows typically air once a week and are often pre-recorded, most popular talk radio programs are syndicated daily, broadcast live, and are more prevalent due to the infeasibility of *voice tracking* for live talk content.

What was the impact of *The Big Bang Theory*'s syndication on its first-run ratings?

The syndication of *The Big Bang Theory*, particularly on TBS, is cited as one of the reasons for a rise in its first-run ratings, with one episode attracting 20 million viewers.

What types of programs were commonly distributed via barter deals in syndication?

Barter deals were typically used for less popular programming, new or untested shows, or older shows, where the distributor exchanged advertising time for the program itself.

What was the significance of *The Cisco Kid* in television syndication history?

*The Cisco Kid* was Ziv Television Programs' first major TV hit and was significant for being filmed in color, an innovative practice for the early days of television syndication when color broadcasting was still nascent.

How did the Telecommunications Act of 1996 affect the concentration of media ownership in radio?

The Act led to significant concentration of media ownership, which in turn accelerated the deployment of both existing and new syndicated radio programs, allowing syndication to eventually surpass the traditional network radio format.

What is the difference between American-style syndication and the model used in most other countries?

American-style syndication involves selling programs on a per-area basis to local or regional stations with varying network affiliations. In contrast, most other countries operate under a centralized network radio model where stations are owned and operated by national entities.

What was the significance of *Star Trek*'s syndication success?

The original *Star Trek* series, which had modest ratings during its initial network run, became a worldwide phenomenon in off-network syndication, leading to the development of the entire *Star Trek* franchise, including films and subsequent television series.

Broadcast Syndication Wiki: The Art and Economics of Broadcast Syndication: A Comprehensive Analysis

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Introduction

Defining Syndication

Broadcast syndication is the practice where content owners lease the rights to broadcast their material to other television or radio stations, bypassing the need for a formal broadcast network affiliation. This model is particularly prevalent in the United States, where programming is often scheduled by networks with local affiliates. While less common globally due to centralized network structures, international syndication does occur.

Market Dynamics

The syndication market is driven by the need for stations to fill programming schedules, especially independent stations or those affiliated with smaller networks. The development of technologies like videotape and satellite transmission has facilitated the growth and flexibility of syndication practices.

Economic Significance

Syndication plays a crucial role in the financial viability of television and radio programs. Successful syndication can significantly offset production costs and generate substantial profits, even for shows that had modest network runs. This economic incentive fuels the continuous cycle of content creation and distribution.

Types of Syndication

First-Run

This involves programming broadcast for the first time as a syndicated show, often created specifically for direct sale into the syndication market rather than for a particular network. It allows for greater creative freedom, sometimes exploring concepts networks might deem too risky.

Off-Network

Also known as "reruns," this is the licensing of programs previously aired on a network (or as first-run syndication) to other stations. Typically, a show enters this market after accumulating around 80-100 episodes (roughly four seasons), enabling stations to create consistent daily schedules.

Public Broadcasting

This model, particularly in the U.S., functions similarly to a news agency, where stations share resources and rebroadcast each other's programs. It facilitates content sharing among public broadcasting entities, often featuring content produced by various sources.

The Syndication Process

Licensing and Distribution

Syndicators aim to license programs to one station per market or to station groups, securing broad national or international clearance. Unlike network programming, syndicated shows offer flexible scheduling, allowing stations to choose optimal broadcast times.

Financial Models

Deals can be structured as "cash" (stations purchase rights), "barter" (syndicator receives advertising revenue in exchange for the program), or a combination. Barter deals are common for newer or less popular shows, offering stations lower financial commitment.

Market Testing

Distributors often test-market proposed syndicated programs on selected stations within a group to gauge potential ratings and determine the feasibility of a national rollout before committing to wider distribution.

Influence on Schedules

Regulatory Impact

Regulatory changes, such as the Prime Time Access Rule and Financial Interest and Syndication Rules in the U.S., have significantly shaped the syndication landscape. These regulations aimed to foster local programming but often led stations to rely more heavily on syndicated content.

Station Groups and Duopolies

The consolidation of station ownership allows groups to leverage syndication more effectively across multiple markets. This enables efficient scheduling and programming strategies, often complementing network-affiliated stations with programming on independent sister stations.

Competition and Evolution

Syndication has historically competed with network programming, particularly in filling niche time slots or counter-programming dominant network offerings. The rise of cable and streaming has further altered the dynamics, shifting focus for certain genres like children's programming.

Off-Network Dynamics

Popularity Boost

Off-network syndication can significantly enhance a show's popularity and profitability, sometimes transforming moderately successful network series into cultural phenomena. The original Star Trek series is a prime example, achieving global recognition through syndication.

Running Times and Titles

To accommodate advertising, syndicated episodes often have reduced running times. Historically, some shows were syndicated under different titles to distinguish reruns from original network runs, though this practice is less common now.

Cable and Digital Era

While traditional broadcast stations often air reruns primarily on weekends, basic cable channels frequently air dramas multiple times a week. The digital age has also opened new avenues for syndication through streaming platforms and online distribution.

Radio Syndication

Network vs. Syndication

Unlike television, radio networks often act primarily as distributors rather than strict affiliates. Stations select shows from various providers, making syndication particularly vital for talk radio, where live, daily programming is common and less feasible via voice tracking.

Music and Talk Formats

Syndicated radio includes weekly music countdowns and daily talk shows. While music programs are often pre-recorded, talk shows benefit from live syndication, enabling broad reach and discussion on current events.

Political Discourse

Syndicated talk radio has become a significant platform for political commentary, particularly conservative talk shows. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 facilitated the growth of media ownership concentration, further boosting the reach of syndicated programming.

Historical Evolution

Early Days

Initial radio syndication relied on transcription disks mailed to stations. Early television syndication saw companies like Ziv Television Programs distributing shows like The Cisco Kid directly to local sponsors and stations, pioneering the model.

Mid-Century Growth

The development of videotape and later satellite technology, coupled with regulatory shifts and the rise of independent stations, fueled the syndication market. Genres like sitcoms, game shows, and dramas found significant success through syndication.

Modern Era

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw syndication adapt to cable television and digital platforms. While traditional syndication continues, new models emerge, reflecting the evolving media landscape and audience consumption habits.

International Syndication

Cross-Border Distribution

Syndication extends globally, with programs licensed across different countries and languages. Shows like The Muppet Show achieved worldwide success through international syndication, demonstrating the model's reach.

Economic Value

The potential for international sales significantly influences production decisions outside the U.S. High standards are maintained by distributors to ensure the economic viability of selling rights globally, sustaining a growing prosperity for distributors.

Regional Content

Beyond U.S. exports, content from countries like Colombia, Brazil, Turkey, and the UK is syndicated internationally, finding audiences in diverse markets and highlighting the global nature of the television business.

Regional Syndication

Tailored Content

Regional syndication focuses on providing content relevant to specific geographic areas. This approach appeals to local advertisers who share common regional trading areas, offering a more targeted approach than national syndication.

Key Attributes

Stations opt for syndicated shows based on unique content, proven ratings, or celebrity hosts. Regional syndication often emphasizes unique, cost-effective, and locally relevant programming to attract affiliates.

Syndication Rates

The value of syndication rights varies significantly based on the show's popularity, network run, and the target market. Below is a sample of historical per-episode rates for dramatic reruns sold to cable networks:

Historical Deal Values

Year Sold	Show	Studio	Cable Network	Price*
1986	Falcon Crest	Warner Bros. Television Studios	Turner Broadcasting	$10,000
1986	Knots Landing	Warner Bros. Television	Turner Broadcasting	$12,000
1988	Murder, She Wrote	Universal Television	USA Network	$525,000
1991	Unsolved Mysteries	HBO Distribution	Lifetime	$180,000
1993	The Commish	ABC Productions	Lifetime	$195,000
1994	Law & Order	Universal Television	A&E	$155,000
1995	Melrose Place	CBS Studios	E!	$200,000
1995	Picket Fences	20th Television	FX	$190,000
1995	Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman	Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution	TNT	$275,000
1995	Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman	CBS Studios	CBS	$250,000
1995	NYPD Blue	20th Television	FX	$400,000
1996	Xena: Warrior Princess	Universal Television	USA	$300,000
1996	Hercules: The Legendary Journeys	Universal Television	USA	$300,000
1996	Chicago Hope	20th Television	Lifetime	$475,000
1996	Homicide: Life on the Street	Universal Television	Lifetime	$425,000
1996	The X-Files	20th Television	FX	$600,000
1996	Walker, Texas Ranger	CBS Studios/Sony Pictures Television	USA	$750,000
1996	ER	Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution	TNT	$1.2 million

*Prices are approximate per episode and reflect historical market values.

Types of Deals

Cash Deals

In a cash deal, a distributor sells a program directly to the highest bidding station or group. This is the most straightforward transaction, where the station pays a fee for the broadcast rights.

Cash-Plus Deals

This hybrid model involves the station paying a reduced fee, while the distributor retains a portion of the advertising time. It offers a cost-saving measure for the station in exchange for shared advertising revenue.

Barter Deals

Typically used for newer or less established programs, barter deals involve the distributor providing the program at no initial cost to the station. In return, the distributor receives a share of the advertising revenue generated by the program (e.g., a 7/5 deal means 7 minutes for the syndicator, 5 for the station).

Related Concepts

Key Terms

100 episodes
Direct-to-video
First run (filmmaking)
Flagship (broadcasting)
Print syndication
Rerun
Syndication exclusivity
Video on demand
Web syndication

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References

Campbell, Richard, Christopher R. Martin, and Bettina Fabos. "Sounds and Images". Media and Culture: An Introduction to Mass Communication. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2014. 224â25.

Fredale, Jennifer Ph.D. (2008) "The rhetorics of context: An ethics of belonging" University of Arizona

Gerbrandt, Larry. "Hour dramas face risky economics" The Hollywood Reporter, March 19, 2010.

Flint, Joe. (October 17, 1997) Divine (TV) Profits. EW.com. Retrieved on August 18, 2013.

International News Service "Rural Music Rocks, Too" (April 29, 1956), Springfield News & Leader, p. A16

A full list of references for this article are available at the Broadcast syndication Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness, the information may not be entirely up-to-date or exhaustive.

This is not professional media or financial advice. The information provided should not substitute consultation with qualified industry professionals. Always refer to official sources and expert advice for specific business or strategic decisions.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

The Art and Economics of Broadcast Syndication

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

📺 Defining Syndication

📊 Market Dynamics

💰 Economic Significance

Types of Syndication 🧩

🚀 First-Run

🔄 Off-Network

🌐 Public Broadcasting

The Syndication Process ⚙️

🤝 Licensing and Distribution

💸 Financial Models

📈 Market Testing

Influence on Schedules 🌍

🏛️ Regulatory Impact

🏢 Station Groups and Duopolies

📉 Competition and Evolution

Off-Network Dynamics 🔄

⭐ Popularity Boost

⏳ Running Times and Titles

💻 Cable and Digital Era

Radio Syndication 🎙️

📻 Network vs. Syndication

🎶 Music and Talk Formats

🗣️ Political Discourse

Historical Evolution 📜

🕰️ Early Days

📺 Mid-Century Growth

🚀 Modern Era

International Syndication 🌍

🤝 Cross-Border Distribution

📈 Economic Value

🌏 Regional Content

Regional Syndication 📍

🗺️ Tailored Content

💡 Key Attributes

Syndication Rates 💰

📈 Historical Deal Values

Types of Deals ⚖️

💵 Cash Deals

🤝 Cash-Plus Deals

🔄 Barter Deals

Related Concepts 🔗

📚 Key Terms

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Defining Syndication

Market Dynamics

Economic Significance

Types of Syndication

First-Run

Off-Network

Public Broadcasting

The Syndication Process

Licensing and Distribution

Financial Models

Market Testing

Influence on Schedules

Regulatory Impact

Station Groups and Duopolies

Competition and Evolution

Off-Network Dynamics

Popularity Boost

Running Times and Titles

Cable and Digital Era

Radio Syndication

Network vs. Syndication

Music and Talk Formats

Political Discourse

Historical Evolution

Early Days

Mid-Century Growth

Modern Era

International Syndication

Cross-Border Distribution

Economic Value

Regional Content

Regional Syndication

Tailored Content

Key Attributes

Syndication Rates

Historical Deal Values

Types of Deals

Cash Deals

Cash-Plus Deals

Barter Deals

Related Concepts

Key Terms

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice