Robert Williams

TV viewership this year has surged as people look for news, information and entertainment while being stuck indoors during pandemic lockdowns. That increased interest in late-breaking developments helped to boost viewership of CNN to the best second quarter in its 40-year history, more than doubling total viewers to 1.19 million for the total day. The […]

Comcast’s NBCUniversal entered the video streaming market with the launch of Peacock, which is now available on multiple platforms to watch on TV and mobile devices. The ad-supported service has a mix of live and on-demand programming including movies, news, sports, reality series and late-night shows for free, and a premium tier with exclusive original […]

The growing audience for advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) services like Pluto TV, Roku Channel and Tubi is driving a shift in media spending that’s likely to be long-lasting. More of their video ad inventory will be offered among programmatic platforms that shaped the market for digital display ads in the past decade. Magnite, a […]

WarnerMedia made a strong push into the streaming video market with launch of HBO Max in May, and plans to introduce an ad-supported version with a lower subscription fee next year. The company is developing a strategy to open up advertising inventory while also being mindful about the viewer experience. “It will be a responsible […]

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is moving into a busy year ahead after wrapping up its NewFronts that were for the first time in a virtual format because of coronavirus pandemic. By bringing buyers and sellers together online, the IAB was able to expand attendance beyond the confines of an event space. Participation in this […]

The growing popularity of digital video is pushing linear TV platforms to innovate by offering greater flexibility to advertisers. That transformation is especially vital as the coronavirus pandemic and economic slowdown lead advertisers and agencies to shift their media-buying strategies. WarnerMedia is restructuring its operations as advertisers demand from linear TV the same kind of […]

Live sports showcase linear TV’s ability to deliver mass awareness for brands, making their absence during the past few months of the coronavirus pandemic even more dramatic for advertisers. With the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball resuming play this month, sports marketing is poised for a comeback. Frank Wall, senior vice president of […]

Audience measurement has become more crucial for television networks and their advertisers, which are being lured to spend more on digital outlets including social media and internet search. The coronavirus pandemic has added to these competitive pressures as marketers seek to squeeze the best performance from tighter media budgets. Demonstrating the power of TV advertising […]

The coronavirus pandemic has forced marketers and their advertising agencies to react quickly to an unsettled situation that can change each day. These disruptions are likely to have a lasting effect on how ad campaigns are developed and put into the production pipeline. “There will be an emphasis on quick-turn production — producing spots and […]

Advertisers are pushing for greater flexibility from their media partners as effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy pressures them to be more resourceful with their spending. That dynamic is disrupting this year’s network upfront advertising marketplace, magnifying calls for changes to the way media outlets sell commercial time. The Association of National Advertisers […]

Fox Corp. this year bought video streaming service Tubi to expand its reach outside of linear TV, an acquisition that ended up being exceptionally well timed. Millions of people stuck at home during pandemic lockdowns have had more time to watch video on every screen, including advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) services like Tubi. Marianne […]

Advertisers for years have sought to reach young adults who are in the early stages of forming brand loyalties and setting up their own households. However, they shouldn’t neglect efforts to reach older, higher-income households that will help drive the recovery from this year’s pandemic slowdown. That’s the one of the key messages from Jon […]

The coronavirus pandemic led many advertisers to pull back on media spending in the past few months, but broadcasters have found pockets of strength in their streaming media platforms. Discovery forecasts that it will end the second quarter with higher ad sales than a year earlier for its streaming apps, which are a key part […]

Streaming platforms are investing billions of dollars in original programming every year, raising the stakes for linear TV channels that aim to deliver audiences to advertisers. While linear TV has key strengths in sports, news and events, it also has the power to reach audiences with other kinds of original programming. Rita Ferro, president of […]

Addressable advertising promises to give marketers more focused targeting of audiences while cutting spending on wasted viewer impressions. That data-driven approach requires more insights about consumers and their openness to seeing messages from sponsors. Sean Muzzy, president of North America for addressable advertising company Matterkind, discusses the potential for its audience-based approach in Beet TV’s […]

The coronavirus pandemic led some advertisers to exercise options to obtain media placements at lower prices, but the scatter market is recovering as demand bounces back. Marketers seeking measurable business outcomes don’t want to be left behind as many cities and states ease lockdowns, letting brands reconnect with their customers. Laura Molen, president of advertising […]

The coronavirus pandemic’s effect on media prices has led some advertisers to wonder whether they can find better deals in the scatter market rather than the upfronts. As advertisers shift media dollars into the third quarter and boost demand, deals may be harder to find. Jo Ann Ross, president and chief advertising revenue officer at […]

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the upfront market for TV networks whose fall programming is in flux, but that hasn’t stopped advertisers from ongoing talks about their media strategies. There’s still a role for an upfront market amid the uncertainty and advertiser demands for greater flexibility, Adam Gerber, global chief media officer at Essence, a […]

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted every industry including major broadcast networks that reach millions of U.S. households. Amid the turmoil have been opportunities to strengthen connections for media outlets to strengthen connections with advertisers that have revamped their media plans. Jo Ann Ross, president and chief advertising revenue officer at ViacomCBS domestic advertising sales, discusses […]

This month’s virtual IAB NewFronts will be a chance for advertisers to learn more about streaming media platforms as they plan for the fall season and beyond. Confectioner Hershey is looking ahead to the second half of the year, and the possibility of putting its media dollars to work during the key Halloween and holiday […]