Big three

Definition

The term 'big three' refers to the three major television networks in the United States: NBC, ABC, and CBS. These networks have historically dominated the television landscape, shaping public discourse and influencing culture through their programming choices and reach. The big three played a crucial role in establishing television as a primary source of news and entertainment, significantly impacting the media landscape over the decades.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The big three networks dominated American television viewership during the mid-20th century, particularly from the 1950s through the 1980s.
2. Each of the big three has produced iconic television shows that have become ingrained in American culture, such as 'Friends' on NBC and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' on CBS.
3. The emergence of cable television in the 1980s challenged the dominance of the big three by introducing specialized channels that catered to niche audiences.
4. Despite competition from cable and streaming services today, the big three still hold significant influence due to their established brand recognition and vast resources.
5. The big three have adapted to changes in viewer habits by investing in digital platforms and producing original content for streaming services.

Review Questions

• How did the big three networks shape public perception and culture during their peak years?
  • The big three networks shaped public perception and culture by providing a platform for news coverage, entertainment, and cultural programming that reached millions of viewers. With their programming choices, these networks influenced social norms, trends, and even political discourse. Iconic shows and events broadcasted by NBC, ABC, and CBS created shared cultural experiences that defined generations, helping to mold public opinion on various issues.
• Evaluate the impact of cable television on the relevance of the big three networks in today's media landscape.
  • Cable television significantly impacted the relevance of the big three by introducing a broader array of specialized channels that catered to specific interests and demographics. This diversification challenged the monopolistic viewership enjoyed by NBC, ABC, and CBS, leading to a decline in their audience shares. As viewers began gravitating toward niche programming available on cable networks, the big three had to adapt by innovating their content strategies and expanding into digital platforms to maintain viewer engagement.
• Analyze how the evolution of media consumption has affected the strategies employed by the big three networks in recent years.
  • The evolution of media consumption has prompted the big three networks to rethink their strategies significantly. With audiences shifting towards on-demand content through streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, NBC, ABC, and CBS have invested heavily in creating their own streaming platforms while also producing original content for these new formats. Furthermore, they focus on digital marketing and social media engagement to reach younger viewers who prefer consuming content online rather than through traditional television. This shift indicates a commitment to staying relevant in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Related terms

Broadcasting: The distribution of audio or video content to a dispersed audience via any electronic mass communications medium, primarily through radio and television.

Network Television: Television programs that are produced and aired by major broadcasting networks, such as NBC, ABC, and CBS, often featuring high-profile programming and large audiences.

Cable Television: A system that delivers television programming to consumers via coaxial or fiber-optic cables, allowing for a wider variety of channels and content beyond traditional broadcasting.