Why does TV programs have to start on the hour & half hour then run commercials at the same time as others?

Question

With over 200 channels almost every network/channel runs commercials at the same time... grrrrr, why can't they stagger start times for programming?

Answer 1

They don't HAVE to do so. It's just industry standards that they all tend to follow, such as the first commercial break in a half-hour show being at the six-minute mark.

I think part of their thinking is sort of a reciprocal protection system -- they all put their commercials on at the same time so that if viewers start channel surfing, they'll encounter nothing but commercials on other stations and just head back to the original one.

Regardless, I know from talking to writing colleagues that the established intervals help them in writing, for they can use the timing to tailor their work to fit in to the allotted segment times; in other words, the commercial break will coincide with a natural break in the story, rather than a single scene being abruptly interrupted by a commercial break.

Answer 2

They usually start on the hour & half hour to make programming easier. When you surf during a commercial & find commercials on other channels it is to prevent you from becoming interested in another show & changing to it, abandoning the one you were watching. Companies pay huge amounts of money to have thier commercials aired around popularly watched programs.
I believe TBN still starts their shows 5 min. after the hour & half hour.

Answer 3

You have a fantastic idea! They ruin my channel surfing during commercials!

Answer 4

It's a collaboration between networks. It's a trap.

Answer 5

You could try having more that one tv

Answer 6

Good idea. I hate adverts and think they should be limited.

Answer 7

Yeah, I've noticed that too!!