SYNDICATION
A special edition of Cynopsis (6/23), dedicated to the syndication upfront highlights its dependable ratings and reliable tune-in. With so much unpredictability in the marketplace, and a lack of new broadcast content, syndication filled the holes for a lot of marketers. Last year’s first-run freshman hits, The Kelly Clarkson Show (NBCU) and Tamron Hall (Disney) will be joined by new shows; The Drew Barrymore Show (CTD) and Nick Cannon (Debmar-Mercury.)
NEWFRONTS
The IAB’s newfronts are taking place this week, starting with Monday updates from streaming companies and lifestyle content on Tuesday (e.g. Snap, Conde Nast, Team Whistle, Facebook, Ellen Digital, Barstool and Vevo). Adage’s report on Day One (6/22) included opening remarks by IAB’s Randall Rothenberg and David Cohen, an interview with Nielsen CEO David Kenney, and highlights from Hulu, Roku, Tubi, and Crackle. Day Two featured “shoppable” ads from Snap (where you don’t need to leave the app), the IAB’s Digital Video Advertising spend report (2020 is most challenging year since 2008), and Condé Nast’s commitment to diversity. “Condé Nast CEO Roger Lynch addressed the NewFronts audience live on Tuesday to discuss the recent backlash the company has received and how it is prioritizing diversity and inclusion.”
SOCIAL
Business Insider (6/19) reports that The North Face is the first major advertiser to boycott Facebook, “US, in solidarity with civil-rights groups like the NAACP, the Anti-Defamation League, and Sleeping Giants.” The North Face was then joined by other outdoor brands including Patagonia and REI, suspending advertising at least through July (CBSNews; 6/22) as well as Ben & Jerry’s and Eddie Bauer (NBCNews; 6/23.)
WELCOME BACK
CBS This Morning is one of the latest shows to return to their NYC studios, having been shut down (although reporting remotely) for nearly 100 days (Adweek, 6/22). While following safety protocols when off camera, only a portion of their on-air hosts and crew will be in the studio. Fox & Friends, also based in New York, returned to their studio. The Young and the Restless, expected to return in July, will be the second daytime drama to return. The Bold and the Beautiful returned for one day last week (6/17), before taking a break to relook precautions and picking up production back up this week (Deadline; 6/22).
SUMMER STAYCATION
On Friday (6/22) Jon and Lindsay Yeager of Nashville’s PourTaste and the Nashville Cocktail Festival whipped up a signature drink for The Kelly Clarkson Show’s Summer Staycation (original episodes this summer.) Inspired by the classic “Tiki Cocktail”, the pair created “the very beachy cocktail” (described like a Piña Colada or a Mai Tai), by combining Pisco (a South American brandy), Arrack (rum), lime juice and honey butter (half honey, half butter).
