Television Industry Key Terms

Become familiar with television industry jargon by reviewing key concepts

By Christine Foley

The television industry is a very competitive one in which involved individuals need to be highly skilled and educated. In order to succeed, shows and networks need to be very familiar with the trade and understand the subtle nuances, as well as the central and imperative characteristics and distinctions of the industry. Knowledge of television key terms and concepts can go a long way toward helping to understand the industry.

Ad-hoc network

An ad-hoc network is actually made up of a group of television stations. The stations come together in order to promote a special purpose. Latin for "for this," ad-hoc networks may come together in order to show a one-time only television program or series.
Try: Creating an Apple TV ad-hoc network is discussed at Apple.com.

Psychographics

Psychographics refers to an analysis of an audience. This analysis is based on a number of different psychological factors that make up the average audience member's life. These factors include lifestyles, values, interests and their purchasing behaviors.
Try: Aspects of psychographics and how they relate to marketing campaigns for print, television and internet are discussed at AllBusiness.com.

Interactive television

Interactive television, abbreviated as iTV, takes place when television is combined with interactive content. The programing of interactive television may include richer graphics or one-click access which transfers users to websites via television crossover links. It can also include email and chatting programs, as well as online commerce which is set up on a back channel.
Try: WhiteDot.org explains iTV in detail.

Duopoly

Duopoly occurs when two television stations, both positioned and located in the same defined and designated market area, are owned by the same entity, individual or business party. At one time, duopolies were forbidden by the FCC; however, in recent years, the rules created with respect to duopolies have been relaxed.
Try: Benton.org discusses the potential drawbacks and limited benefits of another broadcasting duopoly in Miami.

Coverage

Coverage represents the percentage of homes or individuals that have received or are presently receiving a specific broadcast signal. Coverage is also limited by a defined and specific geographic area of the region, country or world.
Try: Specific coverage of the House of Representatives and the Senate can be found at MN.US. Information about local NFL games and local coverage can be found at The 506.com, while television coverage maps can be viewed at TVFool.com.

Affiliate

An affiliate is a television station that is not owned by a network. Rather, the station has been grated network use of programs and advertising related to that network for specific time periods. The affiliate network will be compensated by the television network. Any programming that is not related to the network will be programmed locally.
Try: The lack of television coverage by one NBC television affiliate stationed in Boston, Massachusetts is discussed at DigitalHome.ca. Susan Grant praises CNN affiliates at BroadcastingCable.com.