How do TV shows make money?
A Ponder Wander
Have you ever thought about how coronation street makes money? How Game of Thrones brings in the cash? or, have you ever stopped and questioned how the 1% club makes enough cash to splash?
Unlike films, we don’t pay to see these TV shows. We don’t typically give the show any money, especially if its just on live telly yet somehow they are making money.
But how?
Well, it turns out that TV shows generate revenue through a variety of methods:
Advertising: This is the most traditional and common way. Networks sell commercial airtime during breaks in the show to advertisers. The cost of these ads varies depending on the show's popularity and viewership.
Licensing and Syndication: After a show's initial run, networks can sell the rights to air reruns on other channels (syndication) or on streaming platforms. This generates revenue even after the show has finished production.
Product Placement and Sponsorships: Companies may pay to have their products featured prominently in the show, or to sponsor specific segments or episodes.
International Broadcast Rights: Shows can be sold to broadcasters in other countries, generating revenue from international audiences through all the above and below.
Merchandise and Licensing: Popular shows can generate revenue through the sale of merchandise like t-shirts, toys, and other branded items. They can also license their characters and story lines for use in other media, such as video games or theme parks- think of the studio tours such as Emmerdale or Coronation street!
Streaming Services: With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, shows can be made available for subscription fees, generating revenue directly from viewers.
The specific revenue streams and their importance vary depending on the type of show, its popularity, and the overall media landscape, but now you know!
“Ponder Wander” is a weekly wander through random thoughts you may ponder. How does this work? What does that do? Why can’t that happen?
Stay tuned to find out.