eBay's Live, But Partnership with 'Antiques Roadshow' is Dead
By David Steiner
June 22, 2002 eBay has dropped its sponsorship of PBS' "Antiques Roadshow."
AuctionBytes has confirmed that eBay will not renew its corporate underwriting of the popular program, which is produced by PBS affiliate WGBH in Boston. Leslie Sepuka, a spokesperson for the Roadshow, told AuctionBytes, "We're grateful for their [eBay's] support this season, which will continue through the end of this year. We've had a very good partnership." eBay has sponsored the popular PBS television series for the past two years.
There was no reason given by eBay for ending their sponsorship of the show. According to eBay spokesperson, Kevin Pursglove, the auction Site will be looking at other marketing options. eBay is also hoping to air their own television program in the fall of this year.
When asked who will be replacing eBay as a sponsor for the program, Sepuka said, "We're still looking for new funders. It's not going to affect any of the programming that we're doing now. This affects the 2003 season."
posted on June 23, 2002 07:40:58 AM
"eBay is also hoping to air their own television program in the fall of this year."
Why have the ebay charges been steadily going up...???? they have been buying TV equiptment Like we don't have enough trouble buying now! Another TV program telling Americans that their every little thing is worth $$$ BIG $$$. People who watch those DA-- shows are convinced that EVERYTHING they own is a big bucks item and we need to pay them more for it. I may be just getting jaded ... "been there, seen that, sold that" but I am never amazed when I realize that half of my sales at least are to other dealers, why do things cost more let me wonder.....NOT!!! The Antiques Roadshow, FX morning show, Kovels, now Ebay! This is no way to make a living it's pretty much treading water ...... Sorry everyone I wish I had finished law school like my parents wanted!
posted on June 23, 2002 08:29:56 AM
I understand and I think alot will sympathize with you. Buyers are not here for the unusual, unable to find items and if they are here they don't want to pay anything for them. They want them cheap with even cheaper postage. I have quit going to garage sales because people think their "junque" is very valuable, thanks to the appraisal shows. We can also thank the appraisal shows for the lack of consideration they have for "antiques" and the price they put on the junque. I just can't wait for eBay to have their own TV program. Ya right, another TV night wasted. Will that be a reality show?
posted on June 23, 2002 08:47:32 AM
The news article that I read about the new eBay daily show said it would be about the people of eBay and not the stuff that is sold. If eBay does the show right, it could actually boast buying on eBay as well adding sellers.
There are a lot of people that only know the name eBay and very little else about it. This will be eBay's big chance to educate these folks that it is not that hard to search and buy or sell items and show just plain folks doing it. The advertising potential is enormous. eBay needs more bidders more than anything else and I'm all in favor of any possible vehicle that may deliver those needed bidders. Amen.
posted on June 24, 2002 12:49:41 PM
I was on Antiques Roadshow once. I was the guy wandering around in the background for 5 seconds with a colorful satchel. Actually, they interviewed me but cut me out before airtime, and I have never forgiven them. So I am glad eBay is dropping them, and hope they find an appropriate new sponsor, like Waste Industries, Inc.
posted on June 24, 2002 01:12:25 PM
I love the Road Show. You can learn so much from it. You'll never find that stuff at flea markets or garage sales though.
