COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING Meaning and
Definition
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Commercial broadcasting refers to a broadcasting system or medium that is primarily intended for commercial purposes. It is a type of broadcasting where content is created for the purpose of generating revenue through advertising or other commercial means. Commercial broadcasting typically involves television or radio stations that transmit programs and advertisements to a wide audience.
In commercial broadcasting, the content produced is tailored to attract viewers or listeners in order to maximize advertising revenue. This means that the programming is designed to appeal to large audiences and capture their attention, with a particular focus on attracting advertisers who wish to reach those audiences. The revenue generated from advertising is crucial for the sustainability and operation of commercial broadcasting.
Commercial broadcasters often feature a range of programs, including news, sports, entertainment, and other genres, depending on the target audience and the demographics that advertisers want to reach. They seek to attract viewers or listeners through captivating and engaging content that encourages them to stay tuned in, thus increasing the value of their advertising slots.
Unlike public or non-commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcasting depends heavily on advertising revenue rather than government funding or donations. This reliance on advertising allows commercial broadcasters to offer their programming for free to the public, as the costs are covered by the advertisers. The success of commercial broadcasting is determined by its ability to capture and retain large audiences while attracting advertisers who are willing to pay for advertising slots.
Etymology of COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING
The word "commercial broadcasting" has a straightforward etymology. It is composed of two elements: "commercial" and "broadcasting".
1. "Commercial" originates from the Latin word "commercium", which combines "com-" (meaning "together" or "mutually") and "mercium" (meaning "trade" or "merchandise"). It emerged in the early 17th century and initially referred to anything related to trade or commerce.
2. "Broadcasting" is derived from the verb "to broadcast", which consists of "broad" (meaning "wide" or "extensive") and "cast" (meaning "throw" or "scatter"). The term originated in the late 18th century with the advent of radio and television technologies and referred to the widespread dissemination of information or entertainment.
