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syndicate

SIN-dih-kit /ˈsɪndɪkət/

nounverbC1GRESAT

neutralbusiness

A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest; (verb) to publish or broadcast (material) simultaneously in a number of newspapers or on a number of radio or television stations.

In broadcasting, it refers to the practice of selling content (like a radio show or column) to multiple stations or outlets for simultaneous or staggered broadcast.

The story behind the word. The word 'syndicate' comes from the Greek 'syndikos,' meaning 'advocate' or 'one who helps in a court of justice.' It's a combination of 'syn-' (together) and 'dike' (justice). Over time, it evolved to refer to a group of people acting together for a common purpose, including in business and, eventually, in the distribution of media content.

Word relationships

distribute: Broader term for spreading content; 'syndicate' implies selling rights for simultaneous publication/broadcast.
network: A network is a group of stations owned or affiliated with a central entity; syndication is a content licensing model.

Word family

syndication (noun): The process of syndicating.
syndicated (adjective): Distributed through a syndicate.

Collocations

news syndicate
syndicate content
syndicated program
crime syndicate

Example sentences

"The popular talk show host decided to syndicate his program, allowing it to be heard on hundreds of stations nationwide." Describing a media distribution strategy.
"A syndicate of banks provided the necessary funding for the ambitious infrastructure project." Referring to a group of investors.

Memory hook

A 'syndicate' brings content 'syn' (together) to many stations. Together for Content

When not to use

While 'syndicate' can refer to a group of criminals, in media, it's a legitimate business practice. Ensure context clarifies the meaning.

Fun facts

Newspaper comic strips are often syndicated, appearing in many different papers at once.