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ViacomCBS, NBCU Cancel Upfront Events, Move To Digital Presentations

• by Wayne Friedman , Yesterday

Looking ahead to the big broadcast upfront period of presentations for the second week in May, ViacomCBS and NBCUniversal have cancelled their respective broadcast network events due to coronavirus concerns.

Other upfront events still scheduled at press time include Discovery, Disney’s ABC and ESPN and The CW.

Instead of its CBS Television Network live event in Carnegie Hall, CBS will do a video upfront special “to be posted to digital platforms on Wednesday, May 13, the usual day of the week CBS has its Carnegie Hall presentation."

NBCUniversal says it will stream an upfront presentation for the 2020-21 season to ensure the safety of all participants while also reflecting the increasingly direct relationship between NBCUniversal, its fans and its partners.

Jo Ann Ross, president/chief advertising revenue officer of ViacomCBS Domestic Advertising Sales, stated:  “Our team has been planning for this possibility for weeks, and we have devised a digital showcase to unveil all of the premium content that we’re delivering throughout the company.”

Linda Yaccarino, chairman of advertising and partnerships, NBCUniversal, in a statement said: “This year's upfront presentation will ensure everyone's safety, while allowing us to give fans and marketers a preview of the upcoming season.”

This follows other TV network groups abandoning their live event plans, including AMC Networks and A+E Networks.