Commercial model for pubcasting would result in net loss of funding, report finds

Now on Current.org, an analysis of CPB's June 20 report to Congress that explores alternative funding sources for public broadcasting — which includes switching to a commercial advertising model. But that move would result in a net loss for pubcasting, Booz & Co. analysts find. For public TV, ad sales would exceed the present revenues from underwriting, but a partial desertion by individual donors, foundations and underwriters would more than offset that gain. Booz estimates that the system would lose $62 million a year in donations, setbacks of 15 percent to 40 percent in those giving categories.