does anybody know the reason why the ads are cut off of the program at ubc?

They are not allowed to have advertising or allow pass through advertising per their operating licence. But not sure this is a visa question.

UBC aren't allowed to show adverts (other than their own), part of the broadcast licence apparently.

But the red screen and that music are soooo annoying!

Couldn;t agree more,

but the alternative of adverts every 15 minutes during the films is worse.

That is what STAR does in the Indian channels.

But the red screen and that music are soooo annoying!

And of course they have no incentive to make them anything else as they frequently ask viewers to complain to government to help them get the advertising restrictions lifted.

Why don't they play 30 seconds trailers promoting upcoming movies at HBO etc instead of the hysteric red screen elevator music?

the hysteric red screen elevator music?

I'm gonna download that as my ringtone...