or


[05/31/05 - 12:00 AM]
The ABC Television Network Upfront Sales Generates Increases Across All Dayparts

[via press release from ABC]

THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK UPFRONT SALES GENERATES INCREASES ACROSS ALL DAYPARTS

TOTAL PRIMETIME COMMITMENTS ESTIMATED AT $2.7 BILLION FOR 2005-2006 SEASON

Committed Revenue Expected to Increase by More Than 30% Year to Year

The ABC Television Network has nearly completed upfront primetime sales for the 2005-2006 season, attracting estimated advertising commitments totaling approximately $2.7 billion, with CPM increases in the 4-6% range. This total reflects an increase in year-to-year potential revenue of more than 30%, with approximately $600 million estimated for primetime sports sales, which includes "Monday Night Football," the National Basketball Association and the Bowl Championship Series. Although not included in the upfront tally, ABC will also broadcast the highest-rated and largest revenue generating television event in 2006, Super Bowl XL. The total hours of these sports and special event programming equates to six weeks of primetime programming.

The announcement of ABC's robust position in the national advertising marketplace during this annual selling period was made today by Mike Shaw, president of Sales and Marketing for the ABC Television Network.

"Clients responded very positively to our new primetime schedule, and the incredibly strong performance of our hit freshman series," said Mr. Shaw. "And the good news doesn't end at prime. We're also seeing strength in our other dayparts such as news, daytime and early morning."

Based on the high-quality mix of ABC's programming and the strong reaction of media buyers to its midseason shows, ABC believes there will be an upside to scatter sales this season. In commenting upon this, Mr. Shaw said: "Historically, in the last 12 out of 13 years, the scatter marketplace for all networks has seen increases over upfront pricing, so having the right inventory to sell in scatter can give you a strategic advantage." Mr. Shaw noted that ABC's sales and marketing strategy is predicated upon 52-week revenues.

"This year's robust marketplace reflects the significant strides underway at the ABC Television Network to heighten our competitive momentum in primetime, while simultaneously extending our audience gains throughout the day," added Anne Sweeney, co-chairman, Media Networks, The Walt Disney Company and president, Disney-ABC Television Group. "We're gratified by the tremendous interest our new schedule is generating among national advertisers and their agencies, and we're proud of the amazing efforts put forth by Mike and his entire team to accommodate this enthusiasm."

ABC finished the 2004-2005 season up 12% in Total Viewers, up 16% in the key Adult 18-49 sales demographic and up 15% among Adults 18-34, the largest increases of any network over the prior season in viewers and across the adult demos. In fact, the 16% Adult 18-49 increase from one season to the next was the largest for any major network in at least 25 years - since ABC began tracking the key young adult demographic. ABC delivered its highest-rated May Sweep in four years among the key Adult 18-49 sales demographic, with the biggest increases of any network among Total Viewers (+23%) and Adults 18-49 (+28%) from last year. The season finale of ABC's "Desperate Housewives" was the no. 1 program telecast during the May Sweep in Adults 18-49, topping the "American Idol" finale.





  [may 2005]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S


· AMERICAN IDOL (ABC)
· DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (ABC)
· MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (ABC)





[09/02/26 - 12:01 PM]
Top 10 Most-Watched Prime Original Films & Series for the Week of August 24
"Reacher," "Sterling Point," "Off Campus," "Ride or Die," and "The Traitors" led all original series worldwide.

[09/02/26 - 12:00 PM]
Judge Judy Gets Candid About Life and Celebrates 30 Years as a TV Icon During "Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable," A Primetime Special Airing Tuesday, Sept. 22 on CBS
This groundbreaking special reveals how the last three decades cemented Judy Sheindlin (aka "Judge Judy") as one of television's most iconic personalities.

[09/02/26 - 11:31 AM]
"Fan Level Midnight: Devoted to The Office" Makes Its Exclusive Streaming Premiere on Peacock September 7
The six-part docuseries explores the enduring legacy, cultural impact and devoted fanbase behind the beloved series through never-before-heard stories, original interviews with cast and creatives including Kathy Bates, Seth Rogen and Andy Buckley, archival interviews and more.

[09/02/26 - 11:31 AM]
BritBox Announces "Ludwig" Christmas Special Starring David Mitchell and Sir David Suchet
Set in Yorkshire, the 60-minute Christmas episode sees John, Lucy and Henry arrive at a remote Christmas themed hotel for what should have been a much-needed escape, when a sudden blackout turns the festivities into a locked-room murder mystery.

[09/02/26 - 11:01 AM]
NBC Debuts First Look Images for "Newlyweds"
A later-in-life love story about a free-spirited woman, Jeanie (Téa Leoni), and a buttoned-up professor, James (Tim Daly), who marry impetuously after a whirlwind courtship.

[09/02/26 - 11:01 AM]
"Hell's Kitchen" Is Serving Up a Fiery New 25th Season This Fall with an Ambitious New Class of Chefs, All Under 25!
Don't miss the season premiere airing Thursday, September 24 at 8:00/7:00c on FOX and next day Hulu.

[09/02/26 - 10:31 AM]
Video: "The Widower: 'Til Death Do Us Part" - Official Trailer - Netflix
In this documentary, a journalist and a detective uncover the truth about a killer whose charm masked a trail of failed marriages and suspicious deaths.

[09/02/26 - 10:23 AM]
Video: "Marshals" Season 2 - Official Trailer - CBS
Kayce Dutton is back. "Marshals" returns for Season 2, kicking off CBS Premiere Week, Sunday, October 4.

[09/02/26 - 10:02 AM]
Shaquille O'Neal, Authentic Brands & TNT Sports' "Dunkman" to Expand in 2027, Introducing Team Competitions, Junior Division & Global Regional Qualifiers Series
The world's first professional dunk league will officially return in 2027, highlighted by an expanded slate of premium events.

[09/02/26 - 10:00 AM]
Video: Starz Releases Explosive Trailer for "S.W.A.T. Exiles"
The spin-off of the fan favorite, hit series "S.W.A.T.," raises the stakes of the legacy series, introducing a bold new era.

[09/02/26 - 09:33 AM]
"Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana" Returns For Second Season
The three-part second season continues Jinich's journey, inspired by the Pan-American Highway.

[09/02/26 - 09:31 AM]
Drew Binsky Brings His Travels to Netflix September 19
Beginning September 19, members can watch a curated collection pulled from Drew's content library, including his latest episode "Entering The World's Narrowest Island (100 Feet Wide)," with new episodes dropping day-and-date alongside Drew's channels.

[09/02/26 - 09:16 AM]
New Series "Playing with Matches" Pits Undercover Couples Against Each Other
In the upcoming unscripted series, a group of undercover couples from all walks of life will compete in the ultimate game of romantic deception.

[09/02/26 - 09:01 AM]
Nimesh Patel Makes His Netflix One-Hour Stand-Up Debut with "Buy the Dip"
In this hilarious, no-punches-pulled special, Nimesh takes aim at the absurdity of parenting, the insanity of his Indian family, and the rampant corruption in DC.

[09/02/26 - 09:01 AM]
Video: "Being Heumann" - Official Teaser - Apple TV
Judy didn't wait for change. She fought to make it happen.