The TV upfronts are right around the corner. It’s that time of year when networks tout their new programs and ratings increases hoping advertisers will buy what they’re selling in the coming year.
The Fox News ad sales team (for the first time in 20 years, not headed by Paul Rittenberg) has much to boast about going into its presentation to ad buyers.
The network just completed its 8th consecutive month as cable’s most-watched network, buoyed by its campaign 2016 coverage and unprecedented interest in the Trump White House. “What we’re going to be talking about in our upfront presentation this year is really the power and the consistency of the ratings,” Fox News VP of eastern sales Dominick Rossi told Broadcasting & Cable’s Jon Lafayette. “As good as 2016 was for us, 2017 has already started out with even higher ratings, so we definitely see a lot of interest in our brands for the foreseeable future.”
“No matter when your schedule’s going to run, you can rely on the fact that you’re going to get a live, loyal audience and have strong delivery,” said Rossi. The network has a solid prime time slate with the January addition of Tucker Carlson in the 9 p.m. hour. Ad rates are up +27 percent in the hour in January 2017 versus Jan. 2016.