Recently, PBS affiliate CET announced it would offer VOD, including paid advertising with it. According to the article, it isn’t the only PBS affiliate doing so, as Oregon Public Broadcasting already supports its Web efforts with advertising and PBS.org is considering such a move.

Representative of a larger issue, the PBS affiliates are able to advertise on their Web sites but not TV broadcasts because of FCC regulations that do not cover the Internet. This lack of scope to FCC regulations is not new and is at the heart of the telecom vs. cableco vs. third-party battles regarding net neutrality and duopoly concerns. Simply put, telecoms are trying to receive favorable regulatory rulings to expand into the cable TV market and cable companies are working for favorable regulations in their quest to snag telephone business via VoIP. Both have been successful in their endeavors although their core business have suffered as a result.

Besides nicely illustrating the situation, it raises an long-running concern regarding the encroachment of corporate sponsors and presence in public broadcasting. I will let others slug that battle out, although I am typically found on the side of increased public funding for basic research, public broadcasting, education, and other non-murderous activities.