• Korean journal of communication and information
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• v.31
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• pp.193-223
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• 2005

As the number of TV channels rapidly grows, the systematic marketing and PR communication of broadcasters are becoming more and more important. To overcome the challenges the sharply increased competition poses, TV stations ave to intensify their strategic marketing efforts. This paper analyses the editorial information aired about the broadcasters and their TV programming as part of the PR efforts made. This present research project is based on one week periods of analysis of TV programming produced and aired by German broadcasters. The program analysis of the five TV channels included in this study revealed a total of 406 cases in which editorial references were made. The result shows no systematic differences between the public and commercial Broadcasters. Channel-specific differences are, however, obvious. PR communication embedded in the regular programs is increasingly tied to media organization and frequently occurs in the reporting of journalistic content. The high number of promotions as part of informational, and even more so as part of magazine and news formats, must be viewed as problematic. Program related branding and the specific tools used to promote the programs provided further evidence regarding the importance of media economic factors. TV channels not only promote their own programs, but also those of affiliated stations, and the increasing influence of economic considerations will have long-range consequences on the variety and quality of the journalistic output. The study furthermore revealed that TV channels utilize program promotion at any time of the day.