Television Production in the US

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing motion pictures and videos for network TV and cable and satellite TV. It also includes the production of commercials and infomercials, news, documentaries, reality TV miniseries, miniseries and serials, in the latter case for 22 episodes a year for network TV or 13 episodes for cable TV (both termed a season). It can also include live shows, incorporating comedy or variety. Successful TV programs can, at a later stage, be also released on DVD. Movie and feature production mainly for release to movie theaters or on DVD/video cassette for hire or sale is covered under a separate NAICS report - See 51214 - Motion Picture and Video Production. There is, however, a high degree of vertical integration between major operators across these two activities, and in many cases it involves the same major players, but possibly different subsidiary companies for feature and TV movie productions.