In television lingo, programming refers to the type of programs shown and their placement in the schedule. Schedules are made up to please and attract as many viewers as possible. Each network uses a variety of strategies to secure a maximum audience. Before beginning activities to help them understand ratings and the way in which networks schedule their programs, students should be familiar with the following terms:

audience flow
The carry-over of an audience from one program to another on the same channel
 
block programming
The running of similar shows to hold the same audience as long as possible
 
blunting
A scheduling ruse designed to prevent a large audience from tuning into a competing network program by offering a similar program
 
bridge
A form of blunting whereby, for example, a network will schedule a big mini-series at 8:00 p.m. to offset a big movie due to start at 9:00 on another network
 
counterprogramming
Tackling a highly-rated program on another network by scheduling a completely different program to deliver a different kind of audience
 
hammock
The time period between two successful programs, where a new show can be introduced and guaranteed a sizable audience
 
prime time
The time when there are more people watching television than at any other time of the day, that is, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays and from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays

rating
The percentage of all homes with televisions that are tuned to a given program. Each rating point represents approximately 763,000 homes or almost two million people. Each rating point also represents about ten million dollars in advertising revenue each year.
 
share
The percentage of all television sets in use that are tuned to a given program.

Related Lesson

Television Broadcast Ratings