This was weird, I just saw a advertisement for Downton Abby on PBS

[a kennedy]

ON CNBC? Why would PBS be advertising on cable television?

[randys1]

1. Networks do cross advertise and PBS has commercial supporters and they need

viewers too.

I have never seen that before either.


My fave show on PBS is

http://www.pbs.org/program/vicious/

[Bluenorthwest]

3. If you like Vicious, you should consider reading the plays of Mark Ravenhill, who is co-author of

Vicious. Not as light and fun as the show but all that wit very present and in the context of more complex stories. 'Faust Is Dead' or 'Shopping and Fucking' or 'Pool, No Water' or 'Some Explicit Polaroids'....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Ravenhill

[daredtowork]

2. The makers of Downton Abbey probably paid for it

Was it on the BBC channel? Though, as mentioned above, it could be on any channel since Downton Abbey is a successful show. The producers want it renewed here (they want PBS to keep paying for it), so I guess they are footing the bill for some advertising?

[tuhaybey]

4. PBS does advertise

PBS has actually advertised on other networks for a long time. It's mission is to get quality content in front of viewers, and it derives much of its funding from viewers, so it needs viewers, and advertising is how you get viewers. I don't think it spends much on advertising, but it isn't new that it spends some.

[procon]

5. Most TVs are digital now

and like most people, the only way I get PBS stations is through a paid service such as Dish. Its not at all unusual for new or popular shows to be cross advertised across a wide spectrum of channels to attract more viewers.