Innovation in Primetime Television: the Rise and Fall of New Program Entries

Innovation in primetime network programming is claimed by network executives to be the future of the television business. It is asserted to keep a constant programming flow, expand the network's rank in the industry by addressing those viewers who have not yet been reached by existing programming, and respond to various changes in the viewer's environment. This statement however seems to contrast the economic principle of maximizing profits while minimizing risks and avoidable expenses because introducing new programs to an audience includes enormous costs and unforeseeable risks. This book adresses this conflict by analyzing innovations in primetime programming offered by ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC. Based on program schedules and different categories of innovations designed for the study, it is examined to what extent new programs enter fall lineups and evaluated how innovative the new programs are. Thus, it provides a basic theoretical understanding and applied insight into the practice of innovation management and television programming. The book is designed for students, lecturers, and media managers interested in innovation management and television programming.