Prior to the pandemic, upfront spending continued to increase each year despite TV network rating declines. When stay-at-home guidelines were enacted due to COVID-19, ratings went up while ad spending was pulled (and the traditional Upfront season was cancelled). So, what does the new normal look like from an Upfronts perspective?
Join Matt Sweeney, GroupM U.S. Chief Investment Officer, on Wednesday, September 16 at 1:00 PM EST for a panel discussion hosted by Variety’s senior TV editor Brian Steinberg as they discuss the “new normal,” how production delays and the live sports hiatus have affected deal-making, what impact new ad-supported streaming platforms are having on the traditional TV business, if the Upfronts come back, and what the future will otherwise look like. Joining Matt on the panel will be Marianne Gambelli, President Advertising Sales, FOX Corporation and Steve Mandala, President of Advertising Sales and Marketing, Univision.