All articles tagged with #upfront
Paramount staged a smaller New York upfront to pitch a leaner, IP-driven growth plan under David Ellison, showcasing Taylor Sheridan content and CBS hits while announcing a major Pluto TV overhaul later this year to unify its streaming platforms, expand Paramount’s library content, and lean into sports to attract ad spend and better compete with Disney and Netflix.
Warner Bros. Discovery held its 2023 upfront presentation with no stars in attendance due to the writers strike. The presentation covered each of its key divisions, including HBO, Max, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, and Discovery. The focus was on the upcoming launch of the combined HBO Max-Discovery+ product, Max, which will have an ad-supported tier. Several titles starring A-list talent were revealed, including two new Food Network series hosted by Selena Gomez and a “Shark Week” collaboration with “Aquaman” Jason Momoa. CEO David Zaslav did not address the crowd himself.
HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys expressed hope for a fair resolution to the ongoing WGA strike during the Warner Bros Discovery Upfront in New York City. Bloys acknowledged the absence of celebrities due to the strike and showed clips promoting new programs on the platform. The WGA picketed outside Madison Square Garden during the event, but were placed across the street due to construction. The strike has been ongoing for 16 days after talks with studios failed to result in a new three-year contract for the WGA.
Netflix has cancelled its in-person advertising upfront presentation in New York due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, and will instead hold a virtual, streaming-only event. The company plans to update attendees on its advertising product and upcoming programming slate. The decision follows the cancellation of Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos' appearance at the PEN America Gala. It is unclear if other upfronts will follow suit. Netflix introduced its ad-supported tier in 2020.