Final answer:
Television and radio stations use the term 'audience' to describe their reach, which includes all potential viewers or listeners of their content.
Step-by-step explanation:
Television and radio stations refer to their reach using the term audience. This term encompasses everyone who receives their content, whether through traditional broadcasting methods or via newer technologies such as the Internet and satellite radio. Stations often target their programming to specific parts of their audience based on various factors like musical preference, racial or ethnic background, language, and interests. For example, talk radio, known for its conservative hosts, reaches large audiences interested in political and social commentary.
With the advent of satellite radio, such as the services provided by XM and Sirius, the concept of an audience has expanded globally, as these services are not limited by terrestrial signal ranges. This has reshaped how radio programming is developed and how audiences connect with media. Additionally, audience engagement is critical for television stations, which are part of mass media. These stations commonly use sophisticated data to understand viewer preferences, helping them tailor their programming and advertisements effectively. The term audience thus reflects the broad and diverse group of individuals that stations aim to reach and influence.