More From P&G and Moonves in the New York Times

The New York Times published some new quotes and tidbits about the demise of AS THE WORLD TURNS in an article on their website today.

CBS informed Procter & Gamble of the cancellation “a couple of days ago,” according to Jeannie Tharrington, a spokeswoman for Procter & Gamble.

“It’s a part of our business that we will miss, and it’ll be hard for us to say goodbye to the show,” Ms. Tharrington said. Procter & Gamble said it would try to find a new home for the series. Given the current economic climate, though, that is considered unlikely.

Soaps typically cost around $50 million a year to produce. CBS replaced GUIDING LIGHT this fall with LET'S MAKE A DEAL, which costs about half that amount, and the network has seen increases in total audience and among the younger viewers that most advertisers seek.

“Is it the end of an era?” Leslie Moonves, the chairman of CBS, asked. “Sort of. Only the special soaps are going to survive. It’s certainly the end of the client-owned soap.” He added, “All good things come to an end, whether it’s after 72 years or 54 years or 10 years. It’s a different time and a different business.”

Perhaps Mr. Moonves should stop making statements today!