Final answer:
Narrowcasting is the practice of targeting television advertising to specialized audiences through cable advertising, allowing for more focused and effective marketing strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The practice of advertising on television to specialized audiences through cable platforms is known as narrowcasting. Narrowcasting allows media companies to target more precise, specialized audience groups, rather than the broad audiences traditional broadcasting seeks to reach. With the advent of cable television, channels have been able to thrive by segmenting programming into specific genres such as reality TV, sports, and comedy, and targeting their content toward audiences interested in these genres. Cable networks like USA, TNT, and ESPN receive a significant share of viewership, with targeted programming catering to specific audience preferences, thereby enabling advertisers to effectively focus their marketing efforts.