Affiliate (Broadcasting)

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In the North American media system, affiliates are local television and radio stations that are contractually linked to one of the major networks (e.g. ABC , NBC , CBS , FOX ).

In contrast to German TV stations, which are responsible for broadcasting their programs themselves, the networks in the USA mostly distribute their programs through affiliates. The large networks each have several hundred affiliates across the country, but have only a few of their own channels, as state requirements mean that no company is allowed to cover more than a third of the potential recipients with its own channels.

There is also an affiliate system in the radio sector, e.g. B. NPR , Air America Radio , CBS Radio Network , Pacifica Radio Network , ESPN Radio.

At certain times, an affiliate broadcasts the general program supplied by their network (e.g. series, world news, talk shows) and fills the remaining broadcasting time with self-produced programs (e.g. local news, local sports and the like with a local reference) or so-called syndicated programs .

O&O stations

Strictly speaking, the “O&O” ( owned and operated ) stations, i.e. city transmitters that are owned and operated by one of the networks, are to be distinguished from the affiliates . Apart from a higher takeover rate, they basically work just like the actual affiliates. Well-known examples are: WABC , WCBS , WNBC and WPBS in New York and KABC , KCBS, KNBC and KPBS in Los Angeles .