Purpose: Segmentation within Scheduling

Segmentation within Scheduling!

Generally, non-commercial channels such as the BBC do not have the time between programmes that advertisements have to provide for commercial channels such as ITV and Channel 4. 

Idents add time between programmes generally for the following reasons; 
- To provide relevant information.
- To promote a variety of programming.
- To regulate the scheduling to fill time.
- To provide a break for studio workers such as News and Sports. 

With segmentation within scheduling, this is generally the grouping of an individual ident between a programme. For example with MTV Hits idents being aired, then a programme would follow and once it has finished MTV Hits ident would then be aired once again. This generally means that it puts the schedule into different segments. The overall idea of the segmentation within scheduling would stem from the film industry. With the opening titles these tend to often be the names of the production as well as the distribution companies, followed by the actors who were in the film as well as the director. However, at the very end of the film the credits would roll of all individuals who had taken part within the production. Due to the same ident being played consistently before and after a show/ film, due to this it generally reinforces the overall channel's identity as well as making it clear at the same time to the audience exactly what channel in which they are watching.