Television is the one area of audio where the loudest possible final level is not wanted

Unlike CD mastering, where maximum competitive level is chased, television audio should NOT be as loud as possible. Broadcast processors apply their own heavy compression at transmission, so audio mastered too hot over-modulates or gets mangled. Mastering for TV therefore targets lower peak levels than music CD mastering to stay within the broadcaster’s specifications.

Examples

A music video mastered for CD might peak at –0.1 dBFS; used for broadcast that same level over-modulates at the transmitter, so the TV master is prepared with lower peaks.

Assessment

Why must audio mastered for television broadcast have lower peak levels than audio mastered for CD release?