Tell PBS to Stay Commercial Free

PBS has traditionally been a non-commercialized alternative to cable and network television. However, the broadcast company isn’t maintaining these same standards when it comes to the Internet. PBS has partnered with the website Hulu, which will air 30-second advertisements before episodes of PBS programs, including “Carrier,” “Design: e2,” “NOVA,” “Scientific American Frontiers” and “Wired Science.” PBS and Hulu will split the revenue from the paid advertisements. This clearly compromises PBS’s stance as a non-commercial entity.

The New York Times also reported that PBS is assembling its own ad sales staff to sell commercials for the videos it airs on its own website. PBS offers online episodes for more than 20 of its top shows, including “Frontline,” “Independent Lens” and “Antiques Roadshow.”

Tell TK that PBS should uphold its commercial-free commitment on the Internet as well as on TV.