While ABC took its time during last year’s upfront negotiations, which didn’t officially wrap until August, the network worked with a bit more urgency this year.
ABC has finished its upfront sales, with CPM (cost per thousand viewers reached) increases ranging from 9 to 10 percent, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. Volume gains were also strong.
Buyers were enthusiastic about the network’s slate of freshmen programs under new ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey, particularly the Kiefer Sutherland drama Designated Survivor, which was a highlight of May’s broadcast upfront presentations.
