INTV
The Association of Independent Television Stations (INTV) was an American non-profit, incorporated trade association founded in 1972 to advocate for independent, non-network-affiliated local broadcasters. It later became known as the Association of Local Television Stations (ALTV) before disbanding in 2002 as media consolidation led to most independent stations being acquired by large broadcast networks.
Association of Independent Television Stations, Inc. ("INTV") is a non-profit, incorporated association of independent broadcast television stations (i.e., stations which are not affiliated with the ABC, CBS, or NBC television networks). INTV maintains its principal and sole office in Washington, D.C. Independent stations are located throughout the country. Approximately 465 independent stations currently are in operation. As of November 10, 1993, the Federal Communications Commission reported that 1153 commercial broadcast television stations were in operation in the United States. Independent television stations derive the bulk of their revenue from the sale of advertising time to local, regional, and national advertisers. Advertising prices on independent stations are based in large part on the estimated size and demographic composition of the stations' audiences at the time the advertising material is broadcast. Audience size and composition estimates, known as "ratings," are derived from surveys of samples of viewers. Until very recently, two firms had provided audience ratings information to stations and advertisers. Although their measurement and survey techniques were somewhat different, both firms supplied audience data which has been considered reliable by the broadcast industry. Stations and advertisers have utilized data from either or both of the firms in promoting advertising sales and setting prices for advertising time. Stations typically have entered into multi-year contracts with either or both of the firms to acquire ratings data. Consequently, the two firms have been engaged in vigorous competition for sales of audience rating information to stations.
