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The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York

TV Audience Fragmentation: Measurement, Causes, And Economic Consequences

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>Modern video distribution has increased the quantity and variety of programming available to viewers. Multichannel broadcasters using high-bandwidth distribution mechanisms such as satellite and cable television are able to deliver hundreds of channels to each home. Video on demand (VOD) allows users to select and watch video content at will. Digital video recorders (DVRs) have made it possible to watch any program at any time using an electronic program guide and recording shows onto a hard disk. Yet attention remains limited, as audience members are able to watch only a limited number of programs offered by different networks. As a result, the viewing audience today distributes itself over a larger set of programs than in the past. This process is called audience fragmentation. Television audiences are fragmented to different degrees, even if the set of available viewing options is similar. The level of audience fragmentation depends on factors such as the audience's geographic location and its demographic composition. A fragmented audience is more difficult to reach with advertising. Knowing the factors that determine audience fragmentation could be important for advertisers who are trying to send marketing messages to a certain group of consumers, as well as for programmers designing entertainment targeted at different groups. This thesis seeks to explain the relationship between audience characteristics, audience fragmentation, and advertising prices.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Philosophy
Level thesis:degree_level
Doctoral
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Grantor
The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York
Year dc:date.available
2014

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Schellner, Jaroslaw Marek
Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
  • Lisa George

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/471
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:gc_etds-1470

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
City University of New York - Graduate Center
Base URL
academicworks.cuny.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Schellner, Jaroslaw Marek. TV Audience Fragmentation: Measurement, Causes, And Economic Consequences. Doctoral thesis, The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York, 2014. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/471