Covering up the Advertising Slump

Has anyone else noticed the increasing number of adverts for programmes on rival channels appearing everywhere on the commercial sector since Christmas?

Is this an attempt by broadcasters to cover up for the lack of 'proper' advertisements using the we'll fill space on your channel, if we let you do the same?

I'm wondering how much space is being bartered around in this manner.

such a misleading title, I thought were somebody else..

there is no slump! Tv advertising in late december/january has always been very light, thats why you get lots of stuff you dont see often advertised at this time.

Channels with a common sales house may swap airtime across the portfolio; Mostly channels just buy the airtime on the (open) late market as the lighter ad yeald coincides with high TV viewing - enabling them to promote the shows.

As a general rule if its bought airtime it will be 'image' advertising for a channel/show and not include a show time/date. If its contra/in group avertising it will include a show time/date.