Channel drift or
network decay is the gradual shift of a
television network away from its original programming, to either target a newer and more profitable audience, or to broaden their viewership by including less
niche programming. Often, this results in a shift from informative,
quality programming aimed at the
high culture and educated viewers, toward sensational, ratings-based, and/or reality-TV programming designed solely for the entertainment of a mass audience. Channel drift frequently features the incorporation of
infotainment,
reality television, and/or heavy advertising into the channel's lineup.