A Timeline of the Transformation of TV Schedules
TV schedules, also known as TV listings or guides, are printed or electronic timetables for television programs. They are meant to provide the consumer with information about the daily broadcasts, indicating on what channel and at what time they will be available. These schedules are available regardless of the type of distributor – terrestrial, free-to-air, cable, satellite, or MVPD (Multichannel Video Programming Distributor). Such listings have been around since the early days of television.
Understanding how we watch TV
At its inception, television broadcasting was the only way we could watch TV shows. A monumental shift began with the introduction of video recorders in the 1980s that transformed viewership forever.
However, it is still essential for broadcasters and TV networks to understand and program live TV in set blocks. For instance, audiences generally prefer to watch different shows over the weekend than during the week. Based on these viewership patterns, several strategies for live TV broadcasting were developed. Some popular ones include:
Teasers and trailers
Sneak-peek videos create more anticipation for a program that will air later in the day.
Counterprogramming
Scheduling a different type of show (as opposed to competitors) deliberately, such as programming sport against a cookery program on a rival network.
Pre-echo
It is scheduling a new or less popular program right before a popular one to catch viewers that may tune in early.
Hammocking
Sandwiching a new or less popular TV show between two popular shows so viewers watch the new show instead of turning their television sets off.
Inheritance
Putting a new or less popular show right after a popular one, so viewers stay glued to the screen.
Hot-switching
Going straight from the end of one show to the start of another without giving the viewers a chance to switch channels.
Stripping
It is the airing of the show’s episodes at the same time each day so that viewers know when the show will air without having to look at the TV guide. This is a common practice for news and talk shows. These timings are decided based on the demographics of viewers at a particular time, and this process is known as dayparting. The hours of the day have been divided as follows:
Early morning (6 am to 9 am)
Early morning or breakfast TV usually involves current affairs, news headlines, topical and celebrity interviews, and lifestyle tips.
Daytime (9 am to 4 pm)
They are designed for relatively small audiences like students, homemakers, and shift workers. Programming generally involves cheap filler TV like talk shows, fashion makeovers, old movies, imported soaps and serials, quiz shows, preschool children’s TV, and lunchtime news.
Early fringe (4 pm to 7 pm)
Early fringe programming includes children’s TV, early evening soaps, pop music, cookery programs, and early evening news bulletins.
Primetime (7 pm to 11 pm)
Most TV channels compete for audiences aged 18-49 during this time, with curated content that includes soap operas that attract large audiences, sitcoms, drama series (especially those involving crime procedurals), historical dramas, documentaries, movies, news, chat shows, and significant sporting events.
Late fringe (11 pm to 6 am)
During these hours, broadcasters are more likely to schedule programs with controversial content such as violence, late-night talk shows, live sport from other parts of the world, pop music, adult documentaries, old movies, and news updates.
The advent of online streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and others has posed competition to the popularity of live TV. Despite the competition, many networks continue to facilitate live broadcasting as the easiest way to maximize ratings and advertising dollars is through traditional prime-time broadcasts.
Popular streaming services today
The development of television technology has made TV schedules and guides a thing of the past. Today, most viewers consume content via their phones and laptops over online streaming platforms due to ease of accessibility. Some of the most popular streaming platforms in the country include
Netflix
This movie-rental service turned streaming service provides viewers with the most decadent range of content like familiar network shows, original network series, films, series, and documentaries. The company has experimented across genres and has released 80 new titles in 2022 alone. Netflix has also catered to different tastes with gaming options and categories for kids, anime, and foreign language titles.
Disney Plus
This is the only platform where viewers can choose from a vast range of Disney and Pixar titles, along with Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic. Disney Plus is one of the least expensive streaming platforms and offers great value to customers.
Hulu
Hulu offers a wide variety of shows from networks like ABC, Fox, and CBS that can be watched soon after they are released on television. The platform also hosts a growing collection of in-house critically acclaimed series, which are offered to customers at a low monthly price.
HBO Max
HBO Max is a well-designed app filled with quality TV and movie content. Alongside HBO’s entire library, it also hosts DC universe titles, Studio Ghibli movies, and Warner Bros. feature films. Although on the costlier end, this streaming service offers a stellar collection for people of all ages and a better ability to control ratings on kid’s profiles.
Conclusion
These platforms have made it easier for people to choose (and pay) only for the content they genuinely enjoy.