PBS

[SHRED]

I remember a day when you didn't have to sit through 6 commercials to watch The MacNeil/Lehrer Report.
Last night I sat through a myriad of commercials before The NewsHour. Chevron, Toyota, ADM, etc...

Why do they call it Public Broadcasting Service still?
Corporatism is ugly.

[Skinner]

1. I agree, it is a shame.

But, as they say, you gotta do what you gotta do. I'll take the ads if that's what they need to do to make ends meet.

But PBS is still (IMHO) the most consistently good television there is.

[theoldman]

2. Their funds have been cut so much by the government that

they have no choice but to advertise.

[KharmaTrain]

3. "Corporate Underwriting"

This is part of the long history public television has had in finding ways of raising money. The days of "non-commercial" ended in the 80's with the first "endorser" messages...a little blurb at the start and end of the program and now also allows public stations to air whole commericials inbetween programs.

Yep, it is a shame as it makes public stations reliant on the same forces that control commercial broadcasting and the temptation is always to go after the one big fish rather than getting money from the little ones (donors). To their defense, Public broadcasting has seen its funding cut over the past years and its operating expenses increase. Many stations have had to convert to digital and hi-definition that required completely rebuilding their facilities...the money has to come from somewhere.

Although the corporate sponsorships didn't bother me in the past...since Tomlinson's reign at PBS, I'm very cautious and pay attention to those opening announcements. It really can reveal the right wing's attempts at dominating PBS...a long-time goal.

[Arkansas Granny]

4. I guess to get the corporate sponsors that they need to produce

their programming they have to let them have a little air time. It's a shame, but the lack of funding has left them few alternatives. It's still the best network available, IMO.

[a kennedy]

5. I know, it's really sad, but at least the show is not interrupted for

commercials, I can stand them at the beginning and the end.

[bdamomma]

7. the only reason why I watch too, no commercials, and sometimes

totally different stories are being reported on.

[Broadslidin]

6. Tube Viewers become Visibly Anxious without their Comforting Commercials...

Happily,
A deep sense of security and self-importance occurs
from the medical medication knowledge acquired
through those caring commercials of
U.S. corporate government acceptable drugs.

Such a perfect set-up,
the doctor who is financially bought to push drugs
and the 'Wild Eyed' customer declaring: "I Saw It On My TV...!"

May the reassuring graphics of the A.D.M. commercial
Forever Remain implanted inside Our :party: Brains..