February 14, 2008–CBS said it will move forward with one of the hallmarks of the calendar: The upfronts. ABC, Fox and the CW will also brief advertisers in May, ensuring the upfront week tradition will continue.
CBS plans to hold a presentation for advertisers at Carnegie Hall in NY on Wed, May 14, CBS said in a statement emailed to reporters. It promised additional details at a later date.
CBS announcement follows speculation that NBC plans to curtail its upfront this year. Network said it will still brief advertisers in some fashion, and it will participate in the spring selling season.
NBC wasnt saying much about its plans other than confirming that changes will be made to this year's upfront. More details could come as soon as next week, a person familiar with the situation said.
Fox's Peter Chernin has made it clear it will reprise its streamlined upfront presentation, which has been set for May 15 at City Center in NY.
ABC is also sticking with its upfront plans, holding its event May 13 at Lincoln Center. Net execs are discribing the event as more of a meeting” than presentation.
A spokesman for the CW confirmed the network will be back at Madison Square Garden, with its upfront set for May 15.
