# TV networks

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-networks/2234>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [July 30, 1999, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-networks/2234 "1999-07-30T23:58:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 1999, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-networks/2234/1 "1999-07-30T23:58:00Z")

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How do TV broadcasting networks get their money? I’d guess it would come _partially_ from the advertisers, but do they really get paid that much for letting them show commercials?

* * *

I’m ready to meet Him  
‘Cause where I’m livin’ ain’t right  
Black hate white  
White hate black  
It’s right back to the same fight…

–DMX

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 1999, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-networks/2234/2 "1999-07-31T01:36:00Z")

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I’m no expert on television network economics, but as far as I know they pretty much get all their income from the sale of broadcasting time to advertisers. There are a few shows that are produced by the networks which might earn them some eventual syndication money, but most shows are produced independently of the networks.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 1999, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-networks/2234/3 "1999-07-31T01:57:00Z")

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I have to agree with Mike. Here are some numbers:

In 1995 ABC charged $45,000 for each 30-second spot during NightLine.

In 1993, ABC’s sitcom “Home Improvement”, commanded $325,000 for a 30-second spot.

In 1992, Proctor & Gamble shelled out $535,000,000 in network television advertising.

SuperBowl 1998. 30 second ad: $1,300,000.  
Kind of makes you want to run out and buy a TV network, doesn’t it?

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 1999, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-networks/2234/4 "1999-07-31T03:48:00Z")

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No doubt about it. Advertising is big bucks.

BTW, this is limited to the networks. Local broadcast stations and commercial radio stations also make all their money from advertising. _That_ is why ratings are so important.

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**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 1999, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-networks/2234/5 "1999-07-31T03:49:00Z")

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Sorry. That should be “This is _not_ limited to the networks…”