Channel drift facts for kids

Channel drift, also known as network decay, is when a television channel changes the kinds of shows it broadcasts. This often happens because the channel wants to attract a new audience or get higher ratings. It usually means moving from shows for a specific group of viewers to shows that appeal to more people. Many times, channels add infotainment or reality shows to their schedule when this happens.

What is Channel Drift?

Imagine a TV channel that started by showing only cartoons. If that channel slowly begins to show more and more live-action shows, like game shows or reality TV, that's channel drift! It means the channel is moving away from its original focus. This change can happen for a few reasons. Sometimes, channels want to reach a bigger audience. Other times, they might be trying to get more people to watch, which can lead to higher ratings and more money from advertisers.

Why Do Channels Change Their Shows?

TV channels are always looking for ways to stay popular and make money. Here are some reasons why channel drift happens:

• New Viewers: A channel might want to attract a different group of people than its original audience. For example, a channel for history buffs might start showing more general entertainment to get younger viewers.
• Higher Ratings: If certain types of shows, like reality TV, are very popular, a channel might add them to its schedule. More viewers usually mean higher ratings, which is good for the channel.
• Changing Tastes: What people like to watch changes over time. Channels need to adapt to these new trends to keep viewers interested.
• Competition: There are many TV channels available today. To stand out, a channel might try new types of shows that its competitors aren't offering.

MTV: A Famous Example

A well-known example of channel drift is MTV. When MTV first started in 1981, it was all about music videos. If you wanted to see the latest music videos, MTV was the place to go!

How MTV Changed Over Time

In the 1990s, MTV began to add different kinds of shows. It started including entertainment and reality shows that were popular with young adults. This was the beginning of a big change for the channel. Over time, MTV moved further away from just playing music videos. Now, MTV mostly focuses on reality shows and entertainment programs that are aimed at teenagers and young adults. While they still have some music-related content, it's very different from their original focus.

How Does Channel Drift Affect Viewers?

When a channel changes its focus, it can affect the people who watch it.

• Disappointment: Viewers who loved the original type of shows might feel disappointed or even frustrated. They might feel like their favorite channel isn't what it used to be.
• Finding New Channels: If a channel drifts too far from what its original audience liked, those viewers might stop watching and look for other channels that offer the content they prefer.
• New Favorites: On the other hand, channel drift can also introduce new viewers to a channel. People who weren't interested in the original content might start watching because they like the new shows.

Channel drift is a common thing in the world of television. It shows how channels adapt and change to stay relevant and popular in a constantly evolving media landscape.