A+E Networks Announces Virtual Upfront Plans; Live Upfront Event Cancelled
Continuing what is certain to be a wave of cancellations throughout the Upfront/NewFront season, A+E Networks president Paul Buccieri announced today that with major precautions being taken to protect people around the world from the risk of coronavirus the company is replacing its plans for a traditional live Upfront event on March 25 with what it is referring to as its first Virtual Upfront, starting the week of March 23.
According to A+E, the Virtual Upfront will consist of a series of virtual presentations to agencies beginning the week of March 23. These presentations will be planned in partnership with all of A+E’s agencies, clients, press and other special invited guests.
“The health, safety and well-being of our clients, colleagues and our industry is our top priority,” Buccieri said in a statement. “A+E Networks is leaning-in to our culture of flexibility -- one of the business mandates to operate in today’s world, and certainly a necessity underscored in our current environment.
“We will bring the A+E Networks’ Upfront directly to our clients in a new and innovative manner, highlighting the success we’ve had in the past year, previewing upcoming shows we’re excited about, introducing our incredible roster of talent, and outlining our plans for 2021 across A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime,” he continued.
“Our sales force looks forward to bringing the A+E Networks’ Virtual Upfront Presentation directly to our clients in a new way,” Buccini added. “We’re ready to showcase our portfolio of high-performing mega-brands, recapping some of the amazing success we’ve had in the last year, previewing upcoming shows we’re excited about, introducing our incredible roster of talent, and outlining our plans for 2021 across A&E, HISTORY and Lifetime.
“It’s important for us to note that the Upfront is just one part of A+E Networks’ 52-week strategy," he concluded. "Whether in person or in the form of a virtual presentation, the Upfront is part of a comprehensive, year-long communications effort between our dedicated sales force and our ad sales customers.”
Keep an eye on MediaVillage for news of further Upfront/NewFront live event cancellations.
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Ed Martin
Ed Martin is the chief television and content critic for MediaVillage. He has written about television and internet programming for several Myers publications since 2000, including The Myers Report, The Myers Programming Report, MediaBizBloggers a…
