What is the term for the cost of television programs that will be aired during the next year?

The term for the cost of television programs that will be aired during the next year is referred to as "Content acquisition costs." This term specifically captures the expenses related to the purchase or licensing of content that a broadcaster intends to air in the future.

Content acquisition costs encompass all financial commitments associated with obtaining rights to television programming, including shows, movies, or other media that have been licensed from production companies or independent creators for broadcast. These costs are crucial for television networks and streaming services as they plan their programming schedules and budgets for the upcoming year.

Other terminology, such as "Television costs," may encompass a broader range of expenses beyond just the content acquisition aspect, potentially including operational and promotional costs, which makes it less specific. Broadcast expenses typically cover ongoing costs related to the actual broadcasting process, such as transmission costs, rather than acquiring new content. Production costs relate more to the expenses incurred during the actual creation of content, not the acquisition of existing material. Therefore, content acquisition costs is the most precise and relevant term in this context.