As Stations Consider Ending Affiliations, PBS Plots A New Promo Strategy

By Alex Weprin 

With the economy still hurting, and funding for public media constantly under threat, the potential of a shakeup at PBS looms. The New York Times reports that many local PBS stations–facing steep dues from the mothership–are considering following in the footsteps of KCET Los Angeles and WMFE Orlando and becoming unaffiliated public stations.

Elsewhere, public media trade magazine Current writes that for the first time, PBS may interrupt programming to show promos for other programs, as well as shout-outs to its underwriters:

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In the trial run of the proposed format change, Nova and Antiques Roadshow will have breaks at approximately five, 20, 40 and 55 minutes after the start of an hourlong program. National underwriting will run at five and 55; national or local spots promoting programs or other pubTV services will be inserted at 20 and 40. Sources say the shows were selected as they are the most easily segmented to accommodate the interruptions.


Current
also has the details on some programming changes being made by PBS.

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