In broadcasting, syndication is the sale of the right to broadcast television and radio programs by multiple television and radio stations, without going through a broadcast network. It is common in countries where broadcast programming is scheduled by television networks with local independent affiliates, particularly in the United States. In the rest of the world, however, most countries have centralized networks or television stations without local affiliates and syndication is less common, although shows can also be syndicated internationally. Although it is common parlance to refer to the “selling” or “sale” of a show, this is a misnomer. The shows are actually licensed for a specific number of broadcasts on a station or network. The actual ownership of a show does not change hands and generally remains with the producing entity. In the film industry, film distribution is handled by film distributors.