What is the main purpose of syndication in the broadcasting industry?

The primary purpose of syndication in the broadcasting industry is indeed to provide programming to fill airtime. Syndication allows television stations and networks to acquire pre-produced content from production companies, which can be aired without having to develop original programming. This assists stations in scheduling content, particularly during time slots that may otherwise remain unfilled.

This practice is commonly seen with popular shows, reruns, and even some news programs. By utilizing syndicated content, broadcasters can ensure a consistent stream of programming while managing their schedules effectively. This not only fills airtime but also enables stations to benefit from the popularity of established shows, attracting viewers who are already fans of the content being syndicated.

In contrast, while syndication may lead to lower production costs or potentially improve advertising revenue, these are secondary effects rather than the primary aim. Similarly, while engaging viewers is important, the central goal of syndication focuses on ensuring that there is a substantial amount of content available for broadcast. With this in mind, option C accurately reflects the main purpose of syndication in the industry.