Affiliate

Definition

An affiliate is a local television station that has a contractual agreement with a national television network to broadcast its programming. These affiliates are crucial for the distribution of network content, as they extend the reach of the network by delivering programs to specific geographic markets. The relationship between networks and their affiliates is mutually beneficial, as networks gain access to local audiences while affiliates receive popular content to attract viewers and generate advertising revenue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Affiliates typically operate under a contract that specifies which network programming they will air, often including primetime shows and sports events.
2. Local affiliates may have some autonomy to choose their own local news programming and other content, creating a blend of network and local programming.
3. The affiliate model allows networks to efficiently distribute their content across diverse markets while leveraging local advertising revenues.
4. Affiliates are important for fulfilling regulatory requirements regarding local content, ensuring viewers receive news and entertainment relevant to their area.
5. The relationship between networks and affiliates can evolve over time, leading to changes in contracts, programming strategies, and even shifts in affiliation.

Review Questions

• How do affiliates enhance the reach of national networks in broadcasting?
  • Affiliates enhance the reach of national networks by acting as the local channels that distribute the network's programming to specific geographic areas. This partnership allows networks to tap into diverse local audiences and markets they would not otherwise reach on their own. In turn, affiliates benefit by attracting viewers with popular network content, increasing their advertising potential and overall market presence.
• Discuss the implications of the affiliate model for local television stations regarding content and revenue.
  • The affiliate model significantly impacts local television stations by providing them with access to high-quality network programming, which can boost their viewership and advertising revenues. While affiliates must adhere to network schedules for prime shows, they maintain flexibility in local news and other programming choices. This blend allows them to cater to community interests while benefiting financially from network offerings, creating a unique balance between local and national content.
• Evaluate how the changing landscape of media consumption affects the affiliate relationship between networks and local stations.
  • As media consumption shifts towards digital platforms and on-demand viewing, the traditional affiliate relationship is being challenged. Viewers are increasingly gravitating towards streaming services that offer flexibility and convenience, leading networks to reconsider how they distribute content. This evolving landscape may prompt networks to strengthen their digital strategies or re-evaluate agreements with affiliates, impacting local stations' roles in broadcasting and possibly forcing them to innovate or diversify their content offerings to stay relevant.

Related terms

Syndication:

The process of licensing TV programs to multiple broadcasters, allowing for wider distribution without the need for a network's involvement.

Network: A company that provides programming content to its affiliated local stations, often featuring a lineup of shows that can be broadcast nationwide.

Clearance: The approval process by which an affiliate agrees to air a program from its network, often involving negotiations about timing and ad placements.