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Broadcasting Terminology 101
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Dead Air
An unintended interruption in a broadcast during which no audio or video program material is transmitted.
Amplitude Modulation (AM)
A technique used in electronic communication, most commonly for transmitting information via a radio carrier wave. AM works by varying the strength of the transmitted signal in relation to the information being sent.
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
A non-profit public broadcaster in the USA, which provides television programming to affiliated stations without charging a license fee.
Video on Demand (VOD)
A media distribution system that allows users to access videos without a traditional video playback device and without the constraints of a typical static broadcasting schedule.
Spectrum Auction
A process where participants bid on licenses to use specific parts of the radio frequency spectrum, conducted by a regulatory body.
Streaming Media
Multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a provider, commonly utilizing platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, or Spotify.
B-roll
Supplementary footage that can be intercut with the main shot in an interview or documentary to add visual interest or context.
Broadcast Spectrum
The range of radio frequencies that are used for transmitting television, radio and other data signals through the air without cables or other direct connections.
Digital Signal
A signal that uses discrete (digital) values to represent information for transmission, processing, or storage. Digital signals are less susceptible to interference than analog signals.
Cable Television
A system for delivering television programming to subscribing viewers via radio frequency signals transmitted through coaxial cables or, more recently, light pulses through fiber-optic cables.
Live Shot
A live broadcast of a news reporter speaking while standing on location where a news event is taking place, providing real-time coverage.
Ratings Share
The percentage of households or individuals viewing a television program or listening to a radio station at a particular time, compared to the total number of households or people with access at that time.
Television Pilot
A standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to a television network. It is the test episode that will determine whether the network picks up the show.
Public Access TV
A form of non-commercial mass media where the general public can create content television programming broadcast through cable TV specialty channels.
Aspect Ratio
The width-to-height ratio of the screen or the images that are displayed on it, most commonly seen in ratios like 4:3 (standard) or 16:9 (widescreen).
Nielsen Ratings
A measurement system developed by the Nielsen Company to determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States.
Lower Third
A graphic overlay placed in the title-safe lower area of the screen during a broadcast, often used to display contextual information such as name of the speaker or location.
Pay-per-view (PPV)
A type of broadcasting service where a viewer can purchase events to view via private telecast, which typically involves live events such as sports and concerts.
Network Affiliate
A local broadcaster, owned by a company other than the network, which carries some or all of the lineup of television programs or radio programs of a television or radio network.
Analog Signal
A type of signal where the data is represented by continuous waves that can vary in frequency and amplitude. Used in traditional broadcast systems before digital.
Pilot Tone
In FM broadcasting, a specific frequency tone that is transmitted along with the main signal for purposes like controlling stereo multiplexers.
Broadcast Syndication
The practice of leasing the exclusive right to broadcast television and radio programs by multiple television and radio stations, without going through a broadcast network.
Frequency Modulation (FM)
A method of transmitting radio waves that varies the radio wave's frequency in relation to the audio signal being sent, providing higher quality sound than AM.
Closed Captioning
Text displayed on a television or video screen that transcribes spoken words and other audible signals for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Cutaway Shot
A shot in film and television that is a break from the main action, which often shows something else in order to add understanding or dramatic effect to the main scene.
Over-The-Top (OTT) Content
Audio, video, and other media content delivered over the internet without the involvement of a multi-system operator in the control or distribution of the content.
Satellite Broadcasting
The process of transmitting video and audio content to a satellite in space, which then relays the signal back down to a wide area on the Earth's surface.
Sweeps Period
A period of time during which television ratings are measured and monitored closely to set advertising rates based on the viewership levels of shows.
Voiceover
A production technique where a voice—that is not part of the narrative—is used in radio, television production, filmmaking, theatre, or other presentations.
Wide Shot
A camera shot that captures subjects within a wide view of their surrounding environment. This shot is often used to show the audience where the action is taking place.
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