Differences Between Ion and Other Broadcast Networks
Ion Television, unlike other broadcast networks, does not necessarily allow its owned and operated stations to air syndicated programming during the daytime and late night hours. In the United States, syndicated programming accounts for a majority of local network affiliate and independent stations revenue.
Network programming (on stations that have a network affiliation) and infomercials make up the rest. Since paid programming makes up most of Ion's schedule, the benefit is that it provides the main source of revenue. However, this is also a drawback since Ion relies more on infomercials rather than sitcoms and dramas; sponsors of television series often have qualms about their message being lost on stations whose primary content is infomercials and other paid programming. During the 2005–2006 season, Ion (as i) launched only one new series, Palmetto Pointe, a teen drama series which only lasted six episodes, and in 2006–2007, the network went entirely to a lineup of reruns (except for Health Report and Ion Life specials).
As a result, there are a small number of stations (such as WKFK-LD) that have taken dual affiliation with both Ion and another smaller network, usually either America One or MyNetworkTV.
The fact that Ion airs more infomercials than they do series programming is the main reason why some satellite operators dropped Ion affiliates from their channel lineups.
In some markets, DirecTV carries a "place holder" simulcast of the national modified feed (for example, Los Angeles area viewers can watch Ion on both channels 30, KPXN, and 305).
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