CBS, Fox score at annual upfront sales

MUMBAI: CBS Broadcasting, the most watched television network in US, has finalised its upfront deals for 2012-13 attracting $2.7 billion in ad sales.

The broadcasting network sold its primetime ad inventory at a 9 per cent premium versus last year?s rates, thereby missing analyst projection of 10 per cent growth.

Closely following CBS at the second spot is News?owned Fox Network with 8 to 9 per cent growth over the year ago period.

Walt Disney-owned ABC Network has secured 6 to 8 per cent higher ad rates while NBC witnessed the slowest growth among the four networks with a 5.5 to 6.5 per cent increase in ad rates.

ABC is reported to have sold about $2.5 billion in upfront ad sales which is the same as previous year.

The CW Networks and Viacom cable networks have already finished their upfront sales while Turner Broadcasting is said to be 70 per cent sold.

The upfront sales process for the period began in May with all television networks showcasing their content line-up to advertisers.

Sectors like retail, financial services, technology, telecom and quick-service restaurants are believed to have saved the day for US broadcasters with an economy which is looking less than buoyant.