Why Do Educational TV Channels Rely on Repeated Shows or Older Content?

Television channels like Qubo and Rootle often focus on a few key reasons for repeatedly airing the same educational shows or acquiring older content instead of developing new programming. This practice is influenced by a combination of financial prudence, audience preferences, and strategic goals. Let's explore the factors that drive this trend in the educational television landscape.

Cost Efficiency and Licensing

Cost Efficiency: Producing new content can be very expensive and time-consuming. Established shows often have lower costs associated with licensing compared to creating new programming from scratch. This is especially important for channels with limited budgets. As mentioned in the case of Qubo, the channel often opts for foreign educational productions, mainly from Canada, due to their affordability and availability. Qubo, a joint venture between ION, NBC Universal, Corus, and Classic Media, now with NBC Universal and Corus still providing programming to the network, has a limited budget and prioritizes cost efficiency.

Content Licensing and Acquisition: Channels may have agreements that allow them to air certain shows for extended periods, making it easier to fill programming slots without the need for new content. Qubo and Rootle, while facing financial constraints, rely on such agreements to maintain a consistent and reliable programming lineup.

Proven Popular Success and Audience Appeal

Proven Popular Success: Older shows often have a track record of success and established audience appeal. Channels may choose to air content that is already known to resonate with viewers, ensuring a reliable audience. For example, Qubo and Rootle both rely on shows that have been vetted for their ability to engage and teach children effectively.

Nostalgia and Familiarity: Familiar programming can attract both new young viewers and their parents who may have grown up watching these shows. This nostalgia can lead to greater viewer retention and loyalty. As Qubo notes, familiar shows like The Zula Patrol, co-produced by UNC-TV and aired on both channels, can draw in generations of viewers.

Educational Value and Strategic Focus

Educational Value: Many of the older shows have been vetted for educational quality and effectiveness. Channels focused on educational content may prioritize shows that have demonstrated their ability to teach and engage children effectively. This aligns with the mission of many educational channels, as seen in Qubo and Rootle's commitment to educational programming.

Strategic Focus: Channels may have a strategic focus on a particular type of content that aligns with their mission. Rootle, operated as North Carolina’s PBS statewide affiliate, has ceded control of their kids network to the turn-key PBS Kids format, using that national feed instead of creating their own lineup. This decision reflects a strategic focus on aligning with established and trusted content providers.

Market Competition and Limited Budgets

Market Competition: In a competitive landscape, channels may prioritize content that is less risky and more likely to retain viewers rather than experimenting with new shows that may not perform as well. For example, while Qubo and Rootle compete with Netflix and PBS, their limited budgets force them to focus on proven, reliable content.

Strategic Priorities: For channels like Rootle, producing new series for children may not seem like the best use of their limited funds these days. Other expenses and priorities may take precedence, making it more strategic to focus on existing, well-established shows.

Conclusion

While the reliance on older shows may seem repetitive, it often reflects a combination of financial prudence, audience preferences, and strategic goals within the educational television landscape. As Qubo and Rootle continue to navigate their respective markets, they balance the need for educational quality, financial efficiency, and viewer satisfaction. This approach ensures a consistent and reliable programming lineup for their audiences.