While networks used to use the summer as a time for re-runs and revamps until September, summer programming has become the norm as the Big Five networks face competition from cable, DVR, and online streaming.
Networks are “trying to get new ratings coming out that will measure everyone’s viewing patterns no matter how you watch the show. It’s all in the future. They are trying like heck,” said Brian Steinberg, senior TV editor at Variety Wednesday.
During the Upfronts this week, networks revealed their fall schedules and unveiled new shows.
“These are big advertiser parties,” said Brian Steinberg, senior TV editor at . “The networks show up with the best of what they have to offer. They’re trying to sell a bulk of their ad inventory for the fall. The five broadcast English speaking guys alone have $9 billion to sell, just in primetime…It’s a lot of money at stake.”
Abby Borovitz