Final answer:
Television advertising aimed at specialized audiences is called narrowcasting, made possible by cable television, allowing for targeted advertising that aligns with viewer-specific channels and interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advertising on television to specialized audiences is known as narrowcasting and has been made possible by cable television. This method of advertising caters to specific segments of audiences by providing specialized content in various genres such as reality TV, sports, drama, comedy, and news/weather. Cable television allowed the setup of specialized channels aimed at certain viewer demographics, which transformed the landscape of television advertising by permitting marketers to target their ads more precisely to those niche audiences.
With the introduction of cable television, channels such as CSPAN and ESPN were created to appeal to certain groups, allowing advertisers to narrow down their focus and better match their audience's interests and demographics. Companies can utilize the data gathered by network and cable television companies to ensure that their advertisements reach the appropriate audiences, making television advertising a highly strategic tool in today's media landscape.