Television syndication is a complex and multifaceted industry that has been a cornerstone of the entertainment business for decades. It’s a system that allows TV shows to reach a wider audience, generate revenue, and build a loyal fan base. But what exactly is syndication in TV, and how does it work? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of television syndication, exploring its history, benefits, and the various types of syndication deals that exist.
A Brief History of Television Syndication
Television syndication has its roots in the early days of TV, when shows were first broadcast on major networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC. In the 1950s and 1960s, these networks would produce and air shows, but they would often only run for a few seasons before being canceled. However, some shows proved to be incredibly popular, and their reruns would continue to attract large audiences. This led to the development of syndication, where TV shows would be sold to local stations and aired in reruns, often in non-prime time slots.
One of the pioneers of television syndication was Desilu Productions, which produced shows like “I Love Lucy” and “Star Trek.” Desilu would sell these shows to local stations, which would then air them in reruns, generating revenue for both the production company and the station. This model proved to be highly successful, and soon other production companies and networks began to follow suit.
How Television Syndication Works
Television syndication is a complex process that involves several key players, including production companies, networks, and local stations. Here’s a simplified overview of how it works:
- Production Companies: These are the companies that produce TV shows, either in-house or through partnerships with other production companies.
- Networks: These are the major broadcast networks like NBC, CBS, and ABC, which air TV shows in prime time.
- Local Stations: These are the individual stations that air TV shows in specific markets, often in non-prime time slots.
When a TV show is produced, the production company will typically sell it to a network, which will air it in prime time. However, the network will only air the show for a certain number of seasons, after which it will be canceled. At this point, the production company can sell the show to local stations, which will air it in reruns.
Syndication Deals
There are several types of syndication deals that exist, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few examples:
- Cash-plus-barter deals: In this type of deal, the production company sells the show to a local station for a cash fee, plus a percentage of the ad revenue generated by the show.
- Barter-only deals: In this type of deal, the production company gives the show to a local station for free, in exchange for a percentage of the ad revenue generated by the show.
- Cash-only deals: In this type of deal, the production company sells the show to a local station for a cash fee, with no ad revenue sharing.
The Benefits of Television Syndication
Television syndication offers a number of benefits to production companies, networks, and local stations. Here are a few examples:
- Revenue generation: Syndication allows production companies to generate revenue from their shows long after they’ve been canceled by the network.
- Increased exposure: Syndication allows TV shows to reach a wider audience, building a loyal fan base and increasing their cultural impact.
- Cost savings: Syndication allows local stations to air high-quality TV shows without having to produce them themselves, saving them money on production costs.
The Impact of Syndication on TV Shows
Syndication can have a significant impact on TV shows, both positive and negative. Here are a few examples:
- Increased popularity: Syndication can help TV shows build a loyal fan base, increasing their popularity and cultural impact.
- Over-saturation: Syndication can also lead to over-saturation, where a TV show is aired too frequently, leading to viewer fatigue.
- Changes in content: Syndication can also lead to changes in content, as TV shows are edited to fit the needs of local stations.
Types of Syndication
There are several types of syndication that exist, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are a few examples:
- Off-network syndication: This type of syndication involves the sale of TV shows from major networks to local stations.
- First-run syndication: This type of syndication involves the sale of TV shows that are produced specifically for syndication, rather than for a major network.
- Cable syndication: This type of syndication involves the sale of TV shows to cable networks, rather than to local stations.
Off-Network Syndication
Off-network syndication is the most common type of syndication, and involves the sale of TV shows from major networks to local stations. This type of syndication is often used for shows that have been canceled by the network, but still have a loyal fan base.
Examples of Off-Network Syndication
- “Friends”: This popular sitcom was sold into off-network syndication in 2004, and has since become one of the most successful syndicated shows of all time.
- “Seinfeld”: This iconic sitcom was sold into off-network syndication in 1998, and has since become a staple of local stations around the world.
The Future of Television Syndication
The future of television syndication is uncertain, as the TV industry continues to evolve and change. Here are a few trends that are likely to shape the future of syndication:
- Streaming: The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu is likely to change the way TV shows are syndicated, as more and more content is produced specifically for these platforms.
- Cord-cutting: The trend of cord-cutting, where viewers abandon traditional TV for streaming services, is likely to impact the syndication industry, as local stations struggle to attract viewers.
- Globalization: The increasing globalization of the TV industry is likely to lead to more international syndication deals, as TV shows are sold to networks and stations around the world.
Conclusion
Television syndication is a complex and multifaceted industry that has been a cornerstone of the entertainment business for decades. From its early days as a way for production companies to generate revenue from canceled shows, to its current status as a global industry, syndication has played a significant role in shaping the TV landscape. As the industry continues to evolve and change, it will be interesting to see how syndication adapts and evolves to meet the changing needs of viewers and producers alike.
| Year | TV Show | Syndication Deal |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | “Friends” | Off-network syndication |
| 1998 | “Seinfeld” | Off-network syndication |
In conclusion, television syndication is a vital part of the TV industry, allowing production companies to generate revenue, increase exposure, and build a loyal fan base. As the industry continues to evolve and change, it will be interesting to see how syndication adapts and evolves to meet the changing needs of viewers and producers alike.
What is television syndication and how does it work?
Television syndication is the process of licensing a television show to be aired on multiple networks or stations, often after its initial run on a major broadcast network. This allows the show to reach a wider audience and generate additional revenue for the producers and owners of the show. Syndication can be done through various methods, including bartering, cash, and a combination of both.
The process typically involves a syndication company acquiring the rights to a show and then licensing it to various networks or stations. The syndication company handles the distribution and marketing of the show, and in return, receives a percentage of the revenue generated from advertising and other sources. The networks or stations that air the show also benefit from the arrangement, as they can fill their programming schedules with established shows that have a proven track record of attracting viewers.
What are the benefits of television syndication for producers and owners of shows?
Television syndication offers several benefits for producers and owners of shows. One of the main advantages is the potential for significant revenue generation. By licensing their show to multiple networks or stations, producers and owners can earn money from advertising, as well as from the licensing fees paid by the networks or stations. Additionally, syndication can help to increase the show’s exposure and reach a wider audience, which can lead to increased popularity and a longer shelf life for the show.
Another benefit of syndication is that it can provide a steady stream of income for producers and owners over a long period. Once a show is syndicated, it can continue to generate revenue for many years, even after its initial run on a major broadcast network has ended. This can be especially beneficial for producers and owners who are looking to create a sustainable business model for their shows.
What types of shows are typically syndicated?
A wide range of television shows can be syndicated, but some types of shows are more commonly syndicated than others. Sitcoms, dramas, and reality TV shows are often popular choices for syndication, as they tend to have a broad appeal and can be easily packaged and sold to networks or stations. Game shows, talk shows, and news programs can also be syndicated, although they may be less common.
In general, shows that are well-produced, have a strong cast, and have a proven track record of attracting viewers are more likely to be syndicated. Shows that are also easy to package and sell, such as those with a simple format or a limited number of episodes, may also be more attractive to syndication companies.
How do networks and stations benefit from television syndication?
Networks and stations can benefit from television syndication in several ways. One of the main advantages is that syndication allows them to fill their programming schedules with established shows that have a proven track record of attracting viewers. This can be especially beneficial for networks or stations that are looking to build their audience or fill gaps in their programming schedule.
Additionally, syndication can provide networks and stations with a cost-effective way to acquire programming. By licensing a show from a syndication company, networks and stations can avoid the costs associated with producing their own content, such as talent fees, production costs, and marketing expenses. This can be especially beneficial for smaller networks or stations that may not have the resources to produce their own content.
What is the difference between first-run syndication and off-network syndication?
First-run syndication refers to the practice of producing a show specifically for syndication, rather than for a major broadcast network. This means that the show is produced with the intention of being sold directly to networks or stations, rather than being aired on a major broadcast network first. First-run syndication can be beneficial for producers and owners, as it allows them to retain more control over the show and can provide a more direct route to revenue.
Off-network syndication, on the other hand, refers to the practice of syndicating a show that has already aired on a major broadcast network. This means that the show has already had its initial run on a major network, and is now being licensed to other networks or stations for additional airings. Off-network syndication can be beneficial for networks and stations, as it allows them to acquire established shows that have a proven track record of attracting viewers.
How has the rise of streaming services affected television syndication?
The rise of streaming services has had a significant impact on television syndication. On the one hand, streaming services have created new opportunities for syndication, as they have increased the demand for content and have provided new platforms for shows to be distributed. On the other hand, streaming services have also disrupted the traditional syndication model, as they have changed the way that people consume television and have reduced the need for traditional linear programming.
As a result, syndication companies and networks are having to adapt to the changing landscape and find new ways to distribute and monetize their content. This may involve partnering with streaming services, or finding new ways to package and sell content to networks and stations. Despite the challenges, however, television syndication remains a viable and important part of the television industry.
What is the future of television syndication?
The future of television syndication is likely to be shaped by the ongoing changes in the television industry. As streaming services continue to grow and evolve, it is likely that syndication will become even more important as a way for networks and stations to acquire content and fill their programming schedules. At the same time, however, syndication companies and networks will need to adapt to the changing landscape and find new ways to distribute and monetize their content.
One possible trend that may emerge in the future is the increased use of data and analytics to inform syndication decisions. As streaming services and other digital platforms provide more detailed information about viewer behavior and preferences, syndication companies and networks may be able to use this data to make more informed decisions about which shows to acquire and how to package and sell them.