JamesGrimmelmann writes "A new cable network is arranging its programming to embed ads in such a way that TiVo-enabled consumers can't skip them without missing part of the programs, too. The Fine Living Network will superimpose ads on certain segments of its programs, and also allow advertisers to sponsor one-minute segments, larding up the screen with their products.
The techniques don't appear to be all that new -- infomercials, product placements, and alpha-blended network logos all come to mind -- but it's interesting to see TV executives trying to preempt advertisers' concerns about personal video recorders at the programming level.
The New York Times (freeregreqd) has the story (Network Tries to Foil Ad Skipping)."