Pilots, Advertising, and Money

The television world is approaching their pilot season. Right now, networks are spending enormous amounts of money to produce the “next big series.” Among the five major broadcasting networks, nearly 80 pilots are waiting to be picked up. All of which are hoping to have time on the air later this year. These pilots range from dramas to comedies. This “pilot season” is described as “optimistic” says 20th Century Fox Television chairman Gary Newman. The one-line descriptions of many of these pilots cause some to wonder how and why some of these series ideas have made it to the pilot stage. Networks are hoping that they are investing into pilots that are the “next big thing” on television.

As I read this article the enormous amount of money that these networks are spending on these pilots stood out to me. Why do major broadcasting networks spend so much money on producing numerous pilots, most of which are not going to make it on television? Besides the obvious reason of discovering “the next big thing” on television, who really is making a profit off of these shows? Is it the networks or the advertisers? These networks are using logic of safety when producing these pilots. Most of the pilot one-liners, describe many of these shows as highly comical or highly dramatic; all of which are popular by public interest. And many advertisers are waiting to use product placement in these possible new shows to promote their products, even during commercial breaks.

The networks and advertisers work together to benefit one another. One would not exist without the other. I think as a viewer of television it is important to be informed of what happens behind the scenes of the media. When watching the newest popular reality show, understand how advertisers work to sell their products and how networks work to show the programs that attract a huge audience.

Any thoughts?
-Dominique

Shen, Maxine. "TV Enters Its Silly Season." New York Post [New York] 25 Feb. 2010: 81. Print.