Jan 05 2012
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“ As for Romney’s suggestion that the service run ads, Kerger points out that PBS couldn’t do that even if it wanted to — it would violate FCC regulations. But even more, she says, changing PBS to an ad-supported network would inevitably change what it airs because the network would be forced to show programs that attract advertiser-friendly crowds. PBS, for example, continues to air ballet and modern dance, even though their ratings droop, because the service believes its important to present those arts to the viewing public. No ad-supported cable network would make a similar choice. ” There are a number of channels in the cable world that started out with really great ideas that they would be the commercial version of public television, and they went down very different paths.” For an example, she says, take History. “Programming like Pawn Stars and American Pickers is not the same as American Experience and Ken Burns … I’m not in the same business as anyone else who will stand on this stage.
