Channel drift

Phenomena of programming format changes by television networks Channel drift or network decay is the gradual shift of a television network away from its original programming in order to target a different, more profitable audience. Channel drift can also be a network's attempts to broaden its viewership by incorporating less specialized content. This drift often results in a shift from informative or artistic quality programming—designed for educated viewers—toward sensational, ratings-based, or reality-style programming designed to entertain a mass audience. With channel drift, a channel's schedule often incorporates infotainment, reality television, and substantial advertising. United States Cable Networks that focus primarily on a specific topic—such as the History Channel—tend to add shows that the channel's management feels are wanted by a larger audience. The degree of channel drift can vary. Some nonconforming programming may retain an association with the channel's original purpose; examples on the History Channel include shows such as Pawn Stars, American Pickers, and Top Shot. A channel such as Animal Planet offers the show Tanked. Some programming may have no ass