Rebroadcasts

Rebroadcasts refer to the transmission of programming that has already been shown, typically by a broadcast television or radio outlet. They may be scheduled to air again in the original market after the initial premiere, or they may be syndicated for other markets or platforms. The term is often used interchangeably with reruns, though rebroadcast can emphasize a second airing or a new airing window rather than simply a private viewing by a single audience.

Types include encore presentations, which are repeats in the same schedule after the first run; delayed or syndicated rebroadcasts, which are aired in different time zones or on different channels or platforms; and catch-up or on-demand rebroadcasts in streaming services, where archived programs are made available for later viewing. In sports, news, and entertainment, rebroadcasts help fill schedules and extend a program's life.

Rights and economics: Rebroadcasts are governed by licensing and copyright agreements that specify territory, duration, and exclusivity. Rights may be exclusive to a network or sold to multiple outlets, and royalties or licensing fees are paid to rights holders. Economic models include advertising revenue, subscription fees, or bundled licensing.

Impact: Rebroadcasts increase accessibility and audience reach while maximizing content value. They can reach new viewers across time zones and platforms, but may reduce incentives to produce new material if expected reruns dominate. In modern media, digital libraries and streaming ecosystems have expanded the ways and places rebroadcasts occur.