'Wrong' Approach Works Right at PBS Flagship

摘要

Dowager countess violet's snarky asides on Downton Abbey notwithstanding, "funny" may not be high on the list when people are prompted for adjectives to describe PBS. Yet WNET New York is using sharp, timely humor to deliver its message, make its programming stand out and reach a younger audience. "Thirteen" is getting major buzz with its TV Gone Wrong promos [thirteen.org/tvgonewrong/]-spot-on send-ups of cheesy reality shows, including "Long Island Landscapers," about bickering, taste-challenged lawn guys, and "Meet the Tanners," about a bickering, sun-worshipping family-that are rolling out in markets around the U.S.The 30-second trailers, which run on-air and online, are followed by the message: "The fact you thought this was a real show says a lot about the state of TV," then a plug to support the un-cheesy stuff on PBS, which includes the likes of multi-Emmy-winning hit Dawnton.