Final answer:
Zapping refers to viewers fast-forwarding through commercials on recorded programs, made more prevalent with technologies such as DVR and on-demand services. It is not reduced by remote controls or limited to radio stations, nor is it synonymous with zipping.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about zapping is B: Zapping occurs when viewers fast-forward through commercials as they play back a previously recorded program. Zapping is a behavior where television viewers skip commercials by using devices like DVRs to fast-forward through unwanted content. The advent of on-demand programming, where citizens can view content instantly without being tied to a schedule, and the capacity to fast-forward or skip ads on recorded shows, has significantly influenced the way advertising is consumed and engaged with on television. The term zapping has grown in relevance due to the increasing control viewers have over their viewing experience, stemming from innovations like DVR and on-demand services.
Contrary to option D, zapping has actually been encouraged by 24-hour continuous-format programming on cable channels, because the constant availability of content gives viewers more choice and thus, more opportunities to avoid commercials. Additionally, option C is incorrect as the introduction of remote controls has arguably made zapping easier, not reduced it.