Very, very technically, TV doesn't actually initiate a timeout. By rule, the referee has authority to grant a media time out. Obviously, TV can't interrupt the game in progress (clock running). But, if the game clock is stopped for a significant interruption of some other kind, they can request that the T/O be extended for their purposes.
In reality, if TV wants an extension of qualifying interruptions in the game, they get it, if it doesn't exceed the total number of timeouts they are allotted by contract with the conference(s).
When the TV extension (timeout) is over, the game clock shall start by whatever the game situation was when the clock was interrupted.
Examples of events for which TV may be allowed to extend the interruption:
Starts on the snap or per free kick timing (and these events govern when there may be other concurrent events that would also stop the game clock):
-A charged team time out.
-Following a try.
-Following a field goal attempt.
-Following a change of team possession. (I have noticed that they are now allowing a T/O even with 'sudden change' changes of possession. When I was an FBS R, that was a strict no-no - we weren't to interrupt momentum changes. In a bowl game, I had the red hat indicate they wanted a break after Team B intercepted a pass in a tightly contested game. I signaled to the red hat by shaking my head and pointing to the ground, "No - stay here - we are playing on." I wasn't about to interrupt Team B's momentum change. TV complied. And I never heard any repercussion. It was the right thing to do. Nowadays... Sadly, TV seems to rule.)
-At the end of a period.
-Coaches conference or Replay (and the ruling results in a clock stoppage that requires the clock to next start on the snap).
Starts on the referee's signal (if these events do not occur in conjunction with an event that would require the clock to start on the snap):
-Injury (player or official).
-Unsuccessful coach's conference or challenge.
-Coaches conference or Replay (and the ruling requires the clock to next start on the referee's signal).
These events are 'discretionary' by the referee, but are commonly allowed, in the interest of getting the number of allowed TV breaks completed during otherwise 'dead time.'
This sounds morbid, but we loved injuries because they were opportunities to burn TV timeouts without stealing player time. I would always look to the red hat and encourage him to get the producer to take a T/O.
