What does the term "Blunting" refer to in audience flow strategies?

The term "Blunting" in audience flow strategies refers to the approach of competing directly for an audience’s attention. This involves presenting content that is similar in nature to what viewers are already consuming, thereby trying to mitigate the effectiveness of the competing program. This strategy can be effective in drawing viewers away from one program and retaining them within a network or platform by providing content that appeals to their established interests.

In this context, blunting helps a channel or program maintain its viewership by positioning itself as a viable alternative to similar offerings, rather than drastically changing content in a way that may confuse or alienate the audience. This direct competition can be crucial in crowded media environments where attracting and retaining viewers is essential for success.