PBS proposes to interrupt primetime shows with promo and underwriting credits

The Public Broadcasting Service will begin breaking into programs with underwriting and promo spots four times per hour on an experimental basis beginning this fall, it told station members at the PBS National Meeting.

The move could be controversial for the network, which has traditionally prided itself on offering uninterrupted programming over its 40-year history. 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. The immediate purpose of the proposal is not to squeeze in a significant amount of underwriting time.Program content time will remain unchanged at 50 minutes, 10 seconds. PBS says it's objective is to clear away underwriting and promo spots from the beginning and end of programs so that viewers are more likely to see a little of the next program and stay tuned rather than tuning away to catch the start of programs on other channels.