Part 2/8:
The recent insights from industry insiders point to a harsh reality: the news divisions at these networks are not highly profitable. In fact, they are often described as "the bottom of the barrel" from an advertising perspective. Advertisers prioritize other sectors—pharmaceuticals, consumer products, or late-night infomercials—over news, which “can’t be given away,” according to industry experts.
The Cost and Value of News in the Modern Media Economy
The economic dilemma is stark. Major networks rely heavily on advertising dollars that are either limited or not lucrative, especially when it comes to paid political ads or pharmaceutical marketing. These sectors tend to dominate the advertising space, leaving news broadcasts with a limited profit margin or even losses.