What term refers to a brief narrative description of a program?

The term "treatment" is used to refer to a brief narrative description of a program. In the context of film and television, a treatment outlines the main ideas, themes, and narrative structure of a project, effectively serving as a foundation for developing a script. It includes crucial elements such as character descriptions, setting, plot points, and the overall vision for the program.

A treatment is particularly useful during the early stages of development, as it allows writers, producers, and other stakeholders to understand the concept in a concise format before moving on to more detailed documents like a script or a storyboard. It helps to clarify the project's direction and can be used to pitch the idea to financiers or collaborators.

In contrast, the other terms relate to different aspects of the filmmaking process. A concept is more about the overarching idea behind the program, while a storyboard involves visual planning of scenes and shots. Ratings, on the other hand, pertain to audience assessments of programs, usually after they have been completed and aired. Therefore, choosing "treatment" accurately reflects its specific role in the narrative development of a program.