Independent station

An independent station is a broadcast station, usually a television station, that is not connected to a larger broadcast network. Because it is not part of a big network, an independent station must create its own schedule. It shows programs it has bought, called syndicated shows, and programs that other people pay the station to show, called brokered programming. The station also makes its own local programs.

In places like North America and Japan, independent stations became a special kind of television station. They had to find their own ways to choose shows, plan their schedules, and advertise because they did not get help from a big network. The big networks in the United States — ABC, CBS, and NBC — gave many hours of shows to their stations each day. Later networks like Fox, UPN (which was later replaced by The CW and, to a smaller extent, MyNetworkTV), gave fewer shows to their stations. Because of this, many Fox stations in the early 1990s were often thought of as independent stations.

Programming

Independent stations are mostly known for showing a mix of fun shows for all ages. In the past, they often showed shows made just for kids, reruns of old favorite TV shows, and sports games.

Some independent stations also create their own news and public affairs shows. For example, WSVN in Miami used to work with a big TV network but later changed and started making more news shows. Other stations like KTVK in Phoenix, WJXT in Jacksonville, Florida, WHDH in Boston, WPLG in Miami, and WANF in Atlanta also made big changes to focus more on news. Some stations, like WGN-TV in Chicago and KUSI-TV in San Diego, never worked with a big TV network at all.

Besides general entertainment, some independent stations focus on special types of shows. For example, religious stations show shows about faith and learning, while ethnic stations create shows in different languages for specific groups of people.

Overview

Independent stations are television stations that are not part of a larger network. Instead of shows from big networks, they air programs they buy themselves, shows made just for them by others, and local shows they create.

In the past, these stations filled their time with movies, sports, cartoons, and travel shows. They often started their broadcasts later in the day than network stations. By the 1970s, they began showing reruns of shows that had already aired on networks. As cable TV grew, some independent stations became known as "superstations" and were shared with many viewers across regions. Over time, many independent stations joined new networks like Fox, The WB, and UPN. Today, true independent stations are rare, but some still operate, often showing a mix of old shows, news, and special programs bought from others.

List of notable Canadian independent stations

Independent television stations were not very common in Canada, but there were some important ones.

Since the mid-1990s, most of these stations joined larger television systems or became part of networks. However, in 2009, three stations became independent again after a big change in a television system. Today, CHCH in Hamilton and CHEK in Victoria are the only stations in Canada that operate like independent stations in the United States. They sometimes share programming with American stations.

Other independent stations in Canada include CJON in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, which shows programs from two big Canadian networks. There are also stations focused on education and multicultural shows, as well as a few religious and community stations that broadcast at low power.

Independent television in Japan

Further information: JAITS

In Japan, independent television stations are not part of the big national networks based in Tokyo. These stations mainly serve busy city areas. They often work together to buy shows and sell ads.