When I was growing up, I thought PBS was good for one of two things: educational shows for kids and slow-paced shows for grandparents–both of which had more exciting options for me on other channels. Pledge drives just made each worse. (Don’t worry, later on I grew to respect the documentaries, nature specials, and concerts. Though the pledge drives can still get annoying sometimes.)
But PBS is becoming a lot cooler than I ever remember it being. I was watching “Masterpiece Mystery” the other day and this ad came up between programs:
(Sorry for the bad quality– It was the best one I could find.)
Instead of just a regular promo for the next program of “Antiques Roadshow,” they took a simple idea that everyone relates to (Who doesn’t speculate on the prices when they watch that show?) and made a great video out of it. And with all of the regular promos that they show, this one really stood out.
And as a bonus, here is the actual footage from the show featured in the commercial. I guess at one point it was the most valuable item ever appraised on the show. I love this guy!
So kudos to PBS for breaking away from “boring”!
My name is Scott Bowen. I like to find trends and patterns in advertising and campaigns that I think do a great (or a bad) job connecting with their audience or using a creative new idea.
Agreed! And, for the record, I love me some Antique Roadshow!