Final answer:
In a run-of-station (ROS) advertising arrangement, advertisers have little control over when their commercials are aired, as the station schedules the ads at any available time. This is one of many revenue models in broadcasting, including regulated political advertising and subscription-based services without commercials like satellite radio.
Step-by-step explanation:
When advertisers use a run-of-station (ROS) arrangement, they have little control over the placement of their commercials within a program. The term 'run-of-station' essentially means that the station can schedule the commercials at any time, typically when there is unsold inventory, which translates to less desirable time slots. This arrangement contrasts with more targeted ad placements such as sponsorship or participation models, where the advertiser may have more control over when and during which program their ad appears, or exclusivity deals that prevent competitor ads from being shown within the same program or time segment.
It is important to recognize that advertising remains a crucial source of revenue for television and radio, impacting the content and availability of programming. For example, the equal-time rule mandated for political ads ensures that all candidates have access to similar advertisement opportunities, affecting how advertising time is distributed on broadcast channels. Additionally, the shift towards services like satellite radio, which offers commercial-free listening for a subscription fee, reflects a different revenue model that bypasses traditional advertising.