syndication
sin-dih-KAY-shun
/ˌsɪndɪˈkeɪʃn/
The licensing of broadcast programs, articles, or media content to multiple independent stations, networks, or platforms.
Refers specifically to business licensing models where central content is sold to multiple independent outlets.
The story behind the word. From French 'syndicat' and Greek 'syndikos' (one who represents a group in court). The word originally meant a council formed to manage joint interests. In the early 20th century, newspaper syndicates banded together to share comic strips and columns across regional papers.
Word relationships
- licensing: Licensing is a broad legal term for granting rights, while syndication specifically involves selling content across multiple media outlets.
- exclusivity: Exclusivity restricts distribution to a single proprietary outlet or network.
Commonly confused with
- monetization: Syndication is a distribution model, while monetization is the overall process of generating money from assets.
Word family
- syndicate (verb): To sell media content to multiple outlets.
- syndicated (adjective): Distributed via syndication deals.
Collocations
- syndication rights
- off-network syndication
- first-run syndication
- syndication deal
Example sentences
- "After completing its fifth season, the hit sitcom entered off-network syndication across dozens of local stations." Television industry
- "Her investigative column achieved national reach through newspaper syndication." Print publishing
Memory hook
SYN-dication creates SYNERGY by selling one show to hundreds of stations together. Sell once, air everywhere.
When not to use
Do not confuse with original initial broadcasts hosted exclusively on a single primary network.
Fun facts
- The sitcom 'Seinfeld' generated over three billion dollars in syndication fees after its network run ended, making its creators extraordinarily wealthy through reruns alone.
Related words
Explore more words
syndicated, syndicate, license, distribution, royalty, copyright
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