TV Broadcast & Cable Networks Industry Profile

Companies in this industry broadcast television programs for free to the public and for a fee to cable subscribers. In the US, major broadcast TV networks are ABC, NBC, and Paramount, while leading cable networks include ESPN, Fox News, MSNBC, and USA Network. Other leading companies outside US include ITV (UK), Mediaset (Italy), NHK or Japan Broadcasting Corporation (Japan), and RTL Group (Luxembourg).

Global television advertising revenue reached about $132 billion by 2028, according to Statista.

In the US the TV broadcast and cable network industry includes about 2,800 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $145 billion.

The industry doesn't include companies that broadcast primarily on the internet, produce and sell taped TV programs, distribute cable and other TV programs, or use TV as a retail outlet. TV program production and distribution is covered in a separate industry profile.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Business advertising, program popularity, and consumer demographics drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on advertising volume, programming mix, and efficient operations. Large companies have advantages of market dominance, often owning the only TV stations in a geographic area. Small companies can compete effectively with special programming that attracts a targeted audience.

The US industry is highly concentrated: the top 50 TV broadcasting companies account for about 90% of TV broadcasting revenue. Top 20 Cable TV accounts for about more than ...