In most television programs, the audio level of background music should be set to what level compared to the dialogue?

In television production, the audio level of background music is typically mixed so that it complements the dialogue rather than overpower it. The ideal practice is to set the background music to a level that enhances the overall viewing experience without distracting from the spoken words. This often means the music is mixed at a level that is relatively close to the dialogue, allowing viewers to hear both comfortably. When the music is at the same level as the dialogue, it can add emotional depth and atmosphere while ensuring clarity and intelligibility of the spoken content.

In contrast, if background music were set significantly louder than the dialogue, it could detract from the narrative and make it difficult for the audience to understand the characters' conversations. Similarly, if it were too quiet, it might not contribute effectively to the intended mood or tone of the scene. Therefore, achieving a balance where background music aligns closely with the dialogue level is key to effective audio mixing in television production.