1. Scheduling Strategies How DO they do it?

2. Some TV Terminology LEAD OFF Beginning the evening with an especially strong program. Networks routinely move popular, established shows to the 8pm slot. LEAD IN Places a strong show ahead of a weaker (or new) show to give it a jump start HAMMOCKING Placing a weaker show between two stronger shows BLOCKING Placing a new program within a set of similar dramas, sitcoms, or other genres to build a “block” of programming appealing to the same audience.

3. TV Terms Continued… TENT-POLING Used when one strong show is available and is surrounded by weak shows. The strong show is placed in the center of the time period in hopes that it will increase the ratings of the lead-in and lead-out shows. BRIDGING Starting and ending programs at odd times, causing them to run past the starting and stopping points on other networks.

4. What is CROSSPROGRAMMING? When one character breaks away from a show to start another with a continuing image. The character remains the same, but everything around them changes. Usually not a main character that leaves, but one that has audience appeal.

5. What is COUNTERPROGRAMMING? Offering something of completely different appeal that other shows. Done on the basis of GENRE and DEMOGRAPHICS (romantic film vs sports) A gamble with GREAT potential!

6. Just a few more… BLUNTING Match the competition by scheduling a show with identical appeal If two networks are already blunting with each other, a third network will usually succeed by counterprogramming. STUNTING Scheduling specials, adding guest stars, having unusual series of promotions, shifting half hour series to long form. SEAMLESSNESS Running the end of one program right up against the start of the next show. GOAL – Keep viewers watching.

7. What / When is Prime Time? Prime Time is when networks schedule their “heavy hitters” These shows are the ones that networks are most invested in – they are the most expensive and therefore most popular shows. TV’s largest audience! MON – SAT – 8-11pm Equals 7,600 hours annually!

8. What are Prime Time Ratings about? Prime Time ratings are based / dependent on TWO FACTORS: Network Image Viability (Feasibility, Economical?) Low Prime Time Ratings: Cost approx. $50,000 – per 30 sec. spot (advertising) Networks like WB, TBS High Prime Time Ratings: Cost approx. $600,000 per 30 sec. spot (advertising) Networks like NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX

9. Least Objectionable Program Theory Viewers FIRST decide to watch television They then watch the least objectionable program. The one that is MOST mainstream. This theory assumes a limited number of program options.

10. Audience Flow Network strategies are directed at capturing and holding the largest adult audience. 4 out of every 10 of a lead-in show’s rating points flow to the next program

11. Network Seasons Stations demand the best shows be run during certain times of the year. “Sweeps” is when these shows need to “bring it!” – The most hard hitting, suspenseful episodes. Sept – NovFALL SEASONNov SWEEPS DecReruns Jan – MaySPRING SEASONFeb SWEEPS May SWEEPS July – AugustReruns / TestsJuly SWEEPS

12. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Cd6Xf Gs6Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_Cd6Xf Gs6Y http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeD7ns- A-jE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeD7ns- A-jE

13. Which Show will it be? Which show gets CANCELLED? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APzkIcR4OXE Based on network profit Revenue – Cost = Profit Revenue is directly related to ratings Bottom 1/3 canceled – Top 1/3 stay Which show gets RETAINED? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JmVnyJ16d4 New situation comedies Reality based series Shows with lower costs Shows with target demographics

14. How long will it stay? The average show lifetime = 5 YEARS WHY? Shorter attention span of viewers Syndicating series while still on the network Scarcity and high cost of writer / producers High cost of renewal The classics – have longer staying power and can be on for up to a decade!

15. How Important is Time Slot? Over ½ of series moved to a new time slot does not improve the ratings of that slot. 85% placed in low-rated time slots do not improve. 33% get lower ratings than previous show Nets “decide quickly” and “cancel fast”

16. Program Costs Escalated wildly in the 90’s and 2000’s Crime dramas – most expensive $$ By 2003 sitcoms / reality were 60% of shows. Currently, film & television contributes $1.28 billion dollars to the 2013 Provincial economy.

17. Network BOTTOM LINE Play it safe Take few risks Resist “trailblazing” Unless you have nothing to lose Benefits from shows like Survivor, American Idol, etc.