What does "affiliate" refer to in broadcasting?

In the context of broadcasting, "affiliate" refers to a group of stations that air programs produced by a network. These affiliate stations have a contractual relationship with a larger television network, allowing them to broadcast content such as news, sports, and entertainment programs created by the network. This affiliation helps the network expand its reach and ensures that its programming is available to viewers across different geographic regions.

Affiliate stations typically localize the network content by incorporating regional news segments or advertisements, catering to their specific audience while sharing the benefits of being part of a larger network. This arrangement is crucial in the broadcasting industry, as it enables networks to distribute their content more effectively and increases the overall visibility of their programming.