Ten Years Ago... Networks prefer promos to PSAs

Networks prefer promos to PSAs
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable 2/24/1997, AUTHOR: Michael Katz]
Ten years ago, President Clinton was calling for a public service announcement campaign against drug use. The President asked the broadcast TV networks to provide free prime time spots for the PSAs. Networks made little time for PSAs in primetime, however: ABC lead the way with 15 seconds per prime time hour followed by NBC (:05), UPN (:04), CBS (:02), WB (:00), and Fox (:00). Instead, networks use non-programming time for network ads (~8 to 9 mins), local ads (~2 to 3 mins), and promos (~4 to 4 1/2 mins.).