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A '''television network''' is a distribution [[wiktionary:Network|network]] for [[television]] content whereby a central operation provides [[television programs|programming]] for many [[television station]]s. Until the mid-[[1980s]], television programming in most countries of the world was dominated by a small number of [[broadcast network]]s |
A '''television network''' is a distribution [[wiktionary:Network|network]] for [[television]] content whereby a central operation provides [[television programs|programming]] for many [[television station]]s. Until the mid-[[1980s]], television programming in most countries of the world was dominated by a small number of [[broadcast network]]s. Many early television networks (e.g. [[NBC]] or [[CBS]]) evolved from earlier [[radio network]]s. |
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In the [[United Kingdom]] the [[ITV]] network was ''not'' originally a centralised organisation but a consortium of independently-owned regional companies which produced and exchanged programming in order to provide a national service. In [[2004]] most of these companies became part of a single company, [[ITV plc]], although many ITV programmes are still produced at the various regional studios. |
In the [[United Kingdom]] the [[ITV]] network was ''not'' originally a centralised organisation but a consortium of independently-owned regional companies which produced and exchanged programming in order to provide a national service. In [[2004]] most of these companies became part of a single company, [[ITV plc]], although many ITV programmes are still produced at the various regional studios. |
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Within the industry, a tiering is sometimes created among groups of networks based on whether their programming is simultaneously originated from a central point |
Within the industry, a tiering is sometimes created among groups of networks based on whether their programming is simultaneously originated from a central point, and whether the network master control has the technical and administrative capability to take over the programming of their affiliates in real-time when it deems this necessary— the most common example being breaking national news events. |
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In countries where most networks broadcast identical, centrally originated content from all their stations and where most individual stations are therefore nothing more than large "repeater stations", the terms ''television network'', ''television channel'' and ''television station'' have become interchangeable in everyday language, with only professionals in TV-related occupations continuing to make a difference between them, if one was ever made. This applies to most countries outside [[North America]] and [[Japan]]. |
In countries where most networks broadcast identical, centrally originated content from all their stations and where most individual stations are therefore nothing more than large "repeater stations", the terms ''television network'', ''television channel'' and ''television station'' have become interchangeable in everyday language, with only professionals in TV-related occupations continuing to make a difference between them, if one was ever made. This applies to most countries outside [[North America]] and [[Japan]]. |
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With the advent of [[cable television]], [[satellite television]] and more recently [[digital television]], the cost of creating a nationwide television ''channel'' has been reduced and there has been a huge increase in the number of such channels, with most catering to a small group (e.g. [[CNN]], [[CNBC]], [[Fox News]] etc.). However, at least in the eyes of many broadcasting professionals, these are not television networks as such. This is because the term "network" assumes some sort of interconnection between distinct, geographically-dispersed distribution outlets; in contrast, virtually all of the programming aired by these channels is fed, unaltered, from the channel's national distribution center directly to viewers, with only the cable or satellite company as an intermediary. |
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In the United States, television networks are simply identified as "networks" (such as [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[CBS]] or [[NBC]]), while the local stations are identified by the area's channel number. In Europe and much of Asia, television networks are identified by logical channel numbers (such as Britain's [[Channel 4]]). In Australia, television networks are identified by the channel number in the capital cities (such as [[Seven Network|Seven]], [[Nine Network|Nine]] or [[Network Ten|Ten]]). |
In the United States, television networks are simply identified as "networks" (such as [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], [[CBS]] or [[NBC]]), while the local stations are identified by the area's channel number. In Europe and much of Asia, television networks are identified by logical channel numbers (such as Britain's [[Channel 4]]). In Australia, television networks are identified by the channel number in the capital cities (such as [[Seven Network|Seven]], [[Nine Network|Nine]] or [[Network Ten|Ten]]). |
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Revision as of 12:13, 2 March 2006
A television network is a distribution network for television content whereby a central operation provides programming for many television stations. Until the mid-1980s, television programming in most countries of the world was dominated by a small number of broadcast networks. Many early television networks (e.g. NBC or CBS) evolved from earlier radio networks.
In the United Kingdom the ITV network was not originally a centralised organisation but a consortium of independently-owned regional companies which produced and exchanged programming in order to provide a national service. In 2004 most of these companies became part of a single company, ITV plc, although many ITV programmes are still produced at the various regional studios.
Within the industry, a tiering is sometimes created among groups of networks based on whether their programming is simultaneously originated from a central point, and whether the network master control has the technical and administrative capability to take over the programming of their affiliates in real-time when it deems this necessary— the most common example being breaking national news events.
In countries where most networks broadcast identical, centrally originated content from all their stations and where most individual stations are therefore nothing more than large "repeater stations", the terms television network, television channel and television station have become interchangeable in everyday language, with only professionals in TV-related occupations continuing to make a difference between them, if one was ever made. This applies to most countries outside North America and Japan.
With the advent of cable television, satellite television and more recently digital television, the cost of creating a nationwide television channel has been reduced and there has been a huge increase in the number of such channels, with most catering to a small group (e.g. CNN, CNBC, Fox News etc.). However, at least in the eyes of many broadcasting professionals, these are not television networks as such. This is because the term "network" assumes some sort of interconnection between distinct, geographically-dispersed distribution outlets; in contrast, virtually all of the programming aired by these channels is fed, unaltered, from the channel's national distribution center directly to viewers, with only the cable or satellite company as an intermediary.
In the United States, television networks are simply identified as "networks" (such as ABC, CBS or NBC), while the local stations are identified by the area's channel number. In Europe and much of Asia, television networks are identified by logical channel numbers (such as Britain's Channel 4). In Australia, television networks are identified by the channel number in the capital cities (such as Seven, Nine or Ten).