TV Scheduling - tricks of the trade:
1. Hammocking- putting an unpopular, ‘weak’ programme between two ‘stronger’ shows in the hope that viewers will be too lazy to switch over and watch the weaker show instead. The widespread use of the remote control has made this less popular today, though.
2. Pairing – putting two similar programmes or episodes of the same show on one after the other (e.g. “Desperate Housewives’’ finale)
3. Theming – involves a special/selected theme where programmes of a particular theme are shown in a special evening’s schedules.
4. Strip and strand – having the same programmes or genre on at the same time every day. Viewers will get in the habit of watching. Soap opera scheduling uses this technique, hence the many complaints when an episode is moved over for sports events, for instance.
5. ‘Stunt’ scheduling – one off specials that could involve an extra helping of a show, particularly if there is a dramatic, much publicised storyline. Sometimes the same show could be broadcast every night for a week on a special occasion.
6. Zoning – regular theme nights, so an audience will get hooked on watching that channel on a certain night. (www.teachit.co/uk/2005)