4 Center-region conflicts in programming preference are not unique to Russia, however. U.S. networks also struggle to satisfy different interests in different regional markets. One solution for networks is to allow the local stations more flexibility in programming schedules. The ability to do this, however, depends to some extent on technical capabilities. Digital satellite transmission, for instance, allows networks to send a greater quantity of programming faster, and thus gives stations more flexibility in choosing which programs to rebroadcast, and in what order.
Most networks use some combination of distribution paths.
Satellite distribution here refers to links between the central source and the regional stations, who then rebroadcast the signal through local transmitters to their viewers. In some cases microwave land lines instead of satellites are used to distribute the signal to regional transmission centers. Comcon 2, March 10-16, 1997. Based on average of daily primetime ratings for the week. In this survey, respondents infrequently recognize stations as network affiliates, and are more likely to recognize the local channel identification.