A recent Masterpiece import from UK, The Forsyth Saga, was supposed to be shot in the arm to the "ailing" network. However, it has been a shot in the foot. (The basic problem with the series was that the lead actress was coyote-ugly. Why watch a goat-ugly woman hour after hour when MTV, etc are available?) Their ratings are down and their icons like Louis R. are on other networks. Other than federal monies, their donations decreased along with other charities in the post-9-11/recession economy. Furthermore, corporations who advertise on it are spending less on ads and can spend it more effectively with a greater audiences elsewhere.
No wonder they have tried to insulate themselves against the full effects of capitalism!