Mar 11
30
Do Networks Need An Alternative Universe Like Basic Cable Channels?
Basic cable channels have much more to offer the average media buyer today than in the past.
The major cable networks are trying to expand their horizons and offer their targeted viewer series that the broadcast networks would not touch. This has given an edge to the cable networks that major networks are trying to bridge.
While broadcast networks depend on antiquated sweeps and a few months out of the year to tell them which television shows to keep on the air or cancel, cable channels have much more freedom as far as what they can show their viewing audience. For example, shows like Drop Dead Diva on Lifetime have found a devoted audience and make a profit for the channel. Along with shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Sons of Anarchy and Army Wives, the landscape of cable – and television in general – has changed.
So can basic cable channels teach the broadcasting giants some things? It is quite possible. The average cable television series is produced for $2.5 million as opposed to $4 million which is what most of the mainstream series on the broadcast networks costs to produce per season. This allows cable to create top quality shows while keeping costs low and still remains appealing to the drtv media buyers.
