"This survey aims to provide valuable information for the creation of potential initiatives and policies that promote, foster cooperation, and offer support to Catholic networks in Hispanic America. At BNC, we leverage our longstanding relationships with the personnel of these networks and the effective mechanisms of communication and fraternal dialogue we have established with them. This allows us to speak confidently and responsibly about the information we have collected. Building upon our initial study conducted years ago [= 2013], we have chosen to maintain the same approach in terms of the topics to be evaluated and the questionnaire used. The survey is designed to collect quantifiable data to help us identify variables and trends in the ongoing operation and development of these networks over time [...] We would like to thank everyone at the 39 networks from 13 different countries who took the time and courtesy to respond to our communications and take part in this survey [...] We present the reader with a brief overview of the data we consider important to provide a quick insight and general perspective based on the information collected through this survey:
- The positioning of the mixed entity (private capital + ecclesiastical institution) as the legal form of networks ownership.
- Seventy-six per cent of broadcasters claim to own the premises from which they operate.
Small local private donations provide the main funding, followed by selling advertising or space to third parties.
- Small local private donations provide the main funding, followed by selling
advertising or space to third parties.
- Twenty-six point forty-seven percent (26.47%) of networks broadcast for 12 hours, closely followed by those that broadcast continuously for 24 hours, representing 20.59%.
- Forty-five point ninety-five percent (45.95%) of the surveyed network have between 1 and 4 studios.
- The distribution of the number of cameras among the networks surveyed shows that the majority (30.77%) have 4 cameras.
- When it comes to camera brands, Sony leads with 53.85% of the cameras used by networks.
- The editing systems are mostly comprised of between 3 and 2 per network.
- Most members of networks are between 26 and 45 years old, and the majority have been in their positions for over 5 years.
- Salary payments, investment in infrastructure, satellite rental costs, and purchase of production equipment are the top priorities in terms of urgent material needs to be met.
- 90.6% would like to receive some kind of training.
- In terms of training, advice and information needs, raising funds through partnerships/donations, creating new content and programmes, and transmission technology are the top three training needs identified by broadcasters.
- There is a need for a specific and specialised study in each network to assess both the potential and actual audience, as the methods currently used produce results that are far from conclusive at a professional level.
- According to the estimated analyses carried out by networks, 78.1% of the audience is between 36 and 60 years old. Around 57% of the audience are Catholics, while 38% are from the general public.
- Thirty-four percent of programming are networks' own productions.
- Sixty percent of the content has a religious message, while 40 percent has a general message.
- The purchase of third-party programming represents only 10% of the total broadcast programming.
- The programming received as donations increased from 6% to 23% compared to the first statistical study.
- Devotional content, followed by Church-related topics explored in documentaries, educational programs, interviews, mass events, etc., are the primary components of the programming.
- There is a significant lack of content for young and child audiences.
- Upgrading equipment for DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) presents both economic and technical challenges for broadcasters.
- It's important to clearly delineate the boundaries between what is web TV and what is a streaming service, and to provide training on the different types of legal regulation regarding programming licenses in relation to cable and over-the-air TV." (Page 4-6)