Scheduling Practices Based on Audience Flow: What are the Effects on New Program Success?

Abstract

This study looked at the effects of lead-in, lead-out, hammocking, and block programming on new programs' renewal rates and the ability of new programs to improve upon the ratings, shares, and rankings compared to the program replaced, the lead-in, and the follow-up. The study found that while these scheduling methods are used with more than 80 percent of new programs, they made no real difference as far as improving rank, rating, or share were concerned. However, they did increase renewal rates. The study also found that the use of these scheduling methods increased even as their effectiveness decreased. Finally, the study found absolute ratings, regardless of whether the numbers represent a gain or a loss, play an increasingly important role in renewal decisions.