Rediffusions

Rediffusions refers to the rebroadcasting or redistribution of television, radio, or other media content after its initial transmission. The term combines re- and diffusion, signaling the spread of existing material to new audiences or times, rather than the creation of new programming. In broadcasting practice, rediffusion can serve several purposes: extending a program’s reach, filling schedules with encore performances, or providing syndicated content across different regions or platforms.

Historically, the concept gained prominence with early cable, satellite, and pay-television systems that sought to maximize the value of existing programming by rebroadcasting it over dedicated networks. The best-known use of the name in this context comes from Rediffusion, a British company and network associated with early regional subscription television services that distributed content through a wired distribution system. While Rediffusion and similar services are largely legacy operations, the approach helped shape later models of broadcast distribution, regional programming, and home video availability.

In contemporary usage, rediffusion is commonly described as a rerun or encore—re-airing a program after its original broadcast. In archiving and digital media contexts, rediffusion can also refer to re-distribution of existing recordings to new platforms or audiences, sometimes after restoration or digitization.

See also: rebroadcast, rerun, syndication, encore.