CBS is wrapping up its upfront ad sales season, one in which the network says it has raked in the most money and held the highest pricing of all its broadcast competition.
“As we near the finish line, we feel confident that when the upfront marketplace comes to a close, CBS will have secured more total dollars — and the highest pricing — of all the broadcast networks,” a network spokesperson told TheWrap. “Agencies and clients continue to value the strength, stability and delivery that our schedule provides, and are increasingly committing dollars against C7.”
C7 ratings are the average commercial minute ratings plus seven day of time-shifted viewing.
CBS had the most total dollars and highest pricing of its competition last year too.
It certainly helps to be America’s most-watched network — and having extra professional pigskin doesn’t hurt that claim. In addition to Sunday football and the returning “Thursday Night Football,” CBS will broadcast the Super Bowl next year,
“Looking ahead, ‘Thursday Night Football’ and our new late night lineup will help us build on our No. 1 position and bode well for us throughout the year,” the network concluded.
As the statement suggests, there is no shortage of exciting things going on at CBS, which has drawn interest from advertisers. In particular, Stephen Colbert‘s approaching “Late Night” takeover is sure to draw extra eyeballs. Media buyers are also drawn to live events, such as CBS’ Grammy telecast.
ABC may slightly top CBS in year-over-year percentage increases from upfront sales — a final tally remains to be seen. Even if that happens, it’s more a testament to CBS’ strong baseline numbers from 2014 than anything else.