The lineup for this spring’s NewFronts presentations to ad buyers has been finalized, with TikTok, Meta Platforms and Snap providing high-profile tech presence as Amazon and Peacock take a step back.
Slated to run from April 29 to May 2, the NewFronts are returning to the combination of in-person and virtual events that has been standard since Covid, though certain presentations will not be livestreamed. Amazon moved its main pitch to ad buyers out of the NewFronts and into the main upfronts week long populated by broadcast networks and now also featuring streaming heavyweights like Netflix and YouTube. NBCUniversal, meanwhile, is not taking part in the NewFronts, choosing instead to shine a light on Peacock at last month’s One24 ad tech gathering and at its main upfront on May 13.
For all participants, this year’s NewFronts and upfronts will be free of the challenging optics, safety concerns and logistical hurdles posed by the 2023 writers strike. The first day of picketing by WGA members last year came as Peacock was welcoming attendees, who encountered 200-plus picketers on Fifth Avenue in front of the event venue. The walkout, which was followed two months later by one by SAG/AFTRA, forced some presentations to become fully virtual affairs. Others pared down their rosters of talent, which is usually a significant draw for buyers trekking across Manhattan for the annual ritual.
Streaming is taking an increasing share of ad dollars, and advertising’s profile is growing as major players like Disney+, Amazon and Netflix enter the ad selling fray. Disney, like NBCU and Max parent Warner Bros. Discovery, is putting its streaming messages in the main upfront in mid-May rather than a dedicated NewFront. YouTube, while it shifted into the main week two years ago, will retain a presence in the NewFronts, kicking off the week of showcases on April 29 with a breakfast and presentation as well as an evening reception.
Below is the full schedule. All times are Eastern, and presentations that will not be streamed are indicated with an asterix.
Monday, April 29
10 a.m. – Google
2 p.m. – Vizio Ads
4:30 p.m. – IAB Spotlight on News at the NewFronts
6 p.m. – YouTube reception
Tuesday, April 30
9 a.m. – T-Mobile Advertising Solutions
11:30 a.m. – Samsung Ads*
2 p.m. – Condé Nast
4:30 p.m. – Roku*
7 p.m. – Yahoo*
Wednesday, May 1
9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Series of shorter presentations on Main Stage
7 p.m. – Snap Inc.
Thursday, May 2
9 a.m. – Sports Innovation Lab’s Women’s Sports Club
11:30 a.m. – Alpha Precision Media
2 p.m. – Meta
4:30 p.m. – Vevo*
7 p.m, – TikTok