A&E Television Networks, also known as A+E Networks, will hold its first virtual event for the upcoming TV upfronts the week of March 23. The move from live upfronts to a virtual event is due to the rising concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus.
"Our sales force looks forward to bringing the A+E Networks’ Virtual Upfront Presentation directly to our clients in a new way," A+E Networks Group President Paul Buccieri said in a statement. "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."
"The health, safety and well-being of our clients, colleagues and our industry is our top priority. 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," he said. He went on to add, "It’s important for us to note that the Upfront is just one part of A+E Networks’ 52-week strategy. 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."
The growing number of coronavirus cases around the world has caused a change in a number of public events. Some of the events impacted include Emerald City Comic Con, which was postponed until the summer, the cancellation of SXSW and the James Bond film No Time To Die pushing its release until November.
(via Deadline)