Can television networks require their affiliates to carry all of the network's programs?

Television networks cannot mandate that their affiliates carry all of the network's programs due to the nature of the affiliate relationship. Affiliates are independent television stations that contract with networks to broadcast their programming, but they retain a certain level of autonomy. This means that while networks may provide guidelines or suggest programming, it ultimately falls to the affiliates to decide which programs to air based on their audience's preferences, local market conditions, and other business considerations.

This flexibility allows affiliates to respond to viewer demand and make decisions that best serve their local markets. Additionally, federal regulations and market competition contribute to the affiliates' independence, ensuring that they are not compelled to air programs they believe would not resonate with their audience.

In contrast, mandatory carriage of all programs could lead to conflicts between network objectives and local viewer interests, which is why networks cannot enforce such a requirement on their affiliates.