Maine Public Broadcasting discontinues its on-air auction after four decades

After 40 years, the Maine Public Broadcasting Network is ending its MPBN Great TV Auction, reports the Maine Sunday Telegram. Lou Morin, director of marketing and public relations for MPBN, said the auction usually brought in about $450,000 in gross revenue, but after expenses the net revenue was only about $150,000. The auction usually took place over 10 days in April, pre-empting the network's regular nightly schedule — which became a factor in the decision to end it. "People want their normal programming interrupted as little as possible," Morin said.