Broadcast Nets Own 80 Percent of Prime-time Shows

The major broadcast networks produce about four-fifths of the programming in prime time, according to the latest report from the Government Accountability Office. T

hat goes for broadcasting and basic cable, the GAO said. "On the basis of GAO analysis of ownership in the 20 most widely distributed basic cable networks, major broadcasters and companies affiliated with both major broadcasters and cable operators have owned half or more of the top 20 cable networks for each year reviewed," the report said. "Combining ownership in both prime-time programming and basic cable networks, the major broadcasters have controlled a significant share of television programming over the last decade." The GAO analyzed data from the fall schedules of 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2009, based on data provided by the FCC. The GAO found that in the fall of 2009, the top five program producers in terms of prime-time hours were studios affiliated with ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and Warner Bros. Together, the five produced 76 shows comprising 82 percent of the prime-time schedule. Independent producers were responsible for 11.