What is an Independent Station?

An independent station refers to a broadcast station that operates without affiliation to any major television networks such as CBS, NBC, or ABC. This means that the station does not have a formal partnership with these networks and is responsible for producing or selecting its own content, which allows for greater flexibility in programming and possibly a more diverse range of shows. Independent stations are often more localized and can cater to the tastes of their specific audience.

The other options do not accurately define an independent station. Being affiliated with a major network, like CBS, signifies that a station is part of a larger corporate structure with specific programming obligations, which is contrary to the independent nature. A government-owned station would not typically be classified as independent, as it is operated under government guidelines and has different mandates than private independent stations. Lastly, a radio station without a broadcasting license is not relevant to the context of independent stations, as it speaks to legality and operational status rather than the affiliation aspect.