What does "Tent Poling" involve in programming strategies?

Tent Poling involves the strategy of scheduling a strong, popular program between two weaker shows in order to boost their ratings. By placing a show that attracts a substantial audience in this pivotal position, programmers aim to create a flow that draws viewers to both the preceding and following programs, effectively raising their viewership numbers. This technique capitalizes on the established audience base of the strong program and leverages its popularity to increase exposure for the lesser-rated shows.

The effectiveness of Tent Poling lies in its ability to create an artificial connection where viewers who tune in for the popular show may stay to watch the weaker program or, conversely, those who watched the weaker program may be enticed to continue viewing to catch the popular show. This strategic scheduling can help networks improve overall ratings and create a more cohesive viewing experience for their audience.