Television network facts for kids
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A television network is like a big company that sends TV shows to many different television stations. Think of it as a central hub that shares programs with lots of local TV channels. Most of the time, these networks are very large businesses.
Before the mid-1980s, only a few big networks provided most TV shows in many countries. Many of the first TV networks, like the BBC, NBC, or CBS, actually started out as radio networks before television became popular.
A television network can broadcast its shows on many different television channels. For example, the BBC is a television network. It broadcasts its programs on channels like BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Parliament, and CBBC. Each of these channels often has a group of programs that are similar. For instance, CBBC mainly shows programs for children.
How TV Networks Work
Television networks create or buy TV shows. Then, they send these shows to many local TV stations across a country or region. These local stations then broadcast the shows to people watching at home. This way, many people can watch the same show at the same time.
Connecting Stations
To send shows to many stations at once, networks use special connections. In the past, this often involved coaxial cables or even sending recorded tapes. Today, networks use advanced technology, including satellites and the internet, to deliver programs quickly and clearly. This allows for live broadcasts, where everyone watches the event as it happens.
Images for kids
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The DuMont Television Network in 1949. Its stations were connected by AT&T's coaxial cable, allowing live television programs to be shown at the same time. Stations not connected yet received recordings.
See also
In Spanish: Cadena de televisión para niños
