Meaning: Dana Delany's quote about television being more of a business and the challenges it faces in taking risks due to the proliferation of channels and dropping advertising revenue touches on several key issues facing the television industry today.

Firstly, the assertion that television is more of a business reflects the commercial nature of the medium. Television has always been a business, with networks and production companies driven by the need to attract viewers and advertisers in order to generate revenue. However, in recent years, the business aspect of television has become even more pronounced. With the rise of streaming services and digital platforms, the competition for audience attention and advertising dollars has intensified. This has led to a greater focus on the bottom line and the need to produce content that can attract and retain viewers in a highly competitive market.

Delany's comment about the inability to take as many risks in television is also very pertinent. In an era of increasing choice and fragmented audiences, networks and production companies are often hesitant to take creative risks for fear of alienating viewers or failing to attract advertising support. This can lead to a tendency to produce content that fits within established genres and formulas, rather than taking chances on innovative or unconventional programming. As a result, there is a risk that the television landscape becomes saturated with safe, predictable content that lacks the creativity and originality that can make for truly compelling viewing.

The reference to the proliferation of channels and dropping advertising speaks to the changing economics of television. The traditional model of television, which relied on a few major networks and a handful of cable channels, has been upended by the rise of digital and streaming platforms. This has led to an explosion of content options, with viewers now able to access a wide array of programming from around the world. While this diversity of choice can be a positive development for audiences, it has also made it more challenging for individual networks and channels to attract and retain viewers. At the same time, the fragmentation of the audience has made it harder for advertisers to reach mass audiences, leading to a decline in traditional advertising revenue.

In response to these challenges, the television industry has been forced to adapt and innovate. Networks and production companies are exploring new business models, such as subscription-based streaming services and branded content partnerships, in order to generate revenue and reach audiences in new ways. There is also a growing emphasis on data-driven decision-making, with networks using analytics to understand viewer behavior and preferences in order to tailor their programming and advertising strategies.

In conclusion, Dana Delany's quote highlights the complex and rapidly evolving nature of the television industry. The business imperatives of attracting viewers and advertisers, combined with the challenges of increased competition and changing audience behavior, have made it more difficult for television to take creative risks and push boundaries. However, the industry is also undergoing a period of transformation, with new opportunities emerging for those willing to embrace change and innovation.