s delivered to residences via cable are private goods, as are the scrambled television signals delivered via satellite. Unimpeded television broad casts over the air continue to be near public goods.
Structure of the Industry The players in the television broadcasting industry create a rather complex and often overlapping mosaic. These players, 4
their roles, and some of their more significant characteristics are as follows:
1. The major commercial television networks create original programming, and provide this programming free of charge to viewers. The commercial networks derive their income through advertising revenues from the sponsors of their programs. Fox Broadcasting is currently considered to be the "fourth network," in addition to the long established big three of ABC, CBS, and NBC (Broadcasting, 1990d).
2. The Public Broadcasting System creates original programming, and acquires original programming from other sources. It provides this programming free of charge to viewe
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