After more than 13,500 episodes, CBS has cancelled As the World Turns.

The company that actually owns the show, Proctor & Gamble, says they’d like to keep it going — perhaps online or via a cable channel. If you’d like to see the soap opera continue, let them know that you support their efforts and encourage them to keep searching to find a way to keep the show going. Here are some suggestions.

If you like the show, make sure that you tune in to watch it on CBS. Encourage your friends to do the same. The show’s decline in viewers is the reason why the show was cancelled. The higher the viewership, the more likely it is that P&G will be able to find a new home for the soap.

Consider buying P&G products. They make hundreds like Bounty, Bounce, Clairol, Crest, Dawn, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Ivory, Mr. Clean, Old Spice, Pampers, and Pringles. You can visit their site to see the full list. You probably buy some already.

Sign the petition below and let P&G know that you’ve signed it. Spread the word.

Write to P&G and let them know how you feel about the show. Tell that you’re buying their products and which ones you like. Are you a stockholder? Let them know. Be respectful and polite. The company obviously want to be able to keep Light going if they can profit from it. It can be a win-win situation for everyone. You can email or, better yet, write a letter to:
Mr. Alan Lafley, CEO, Proctor and Gamble, As the World Turns support, 1 P&G Plaza, Cincinnati, OH 45201

The last episode will air on CBS in September 2010 so don’t delay!

To: Mr. Alan Lafley, CEO of Proctor and Gamble

We the undersigned are faithful viewers of As the World Turns and are dismayed that the program has been cancelled by CBS. This soap has been going for generations and we believe it should not end now.

We appreciate that you are seeking a way to continue the soap in some way once it leaves CBS in September. We implore you to keep working until this becomes a reality. We support you through the products that we purchase and will continue to support As the World Turns.

Thank you for your consideration.

Image courtesy P&G.