Which of the following best describes the function of commercials?

The function of commercials is primarily to generate income for programming. This is a crucial aspect of television and radio broadcasts, as advertisers pay to air commercials during programming to reach a specific audience demographic, thereby promoting their products or services. The revenue generated from these commercials helps fund the production of the shows, pay the staff, and cover operational costs. Without this income from commercials, many television programs may not be sustainable, highlighting the essential economic role they play in the broadcasting industry.

While entertaining the audience can be a secondary effect of commercials, their main purpose is not entertainment but rather to drive sales and bring in financial support for the programming. Similarly, measuring audience demographics and rating television shows are activities that stem from marketing research and programming strategy but do not accurately encapsulate the primary function of commercials themselves.