Upfronts Shift Focus to News and Sports Amidst Industry Turmoil.
The focus of this year's upfronts has been on streaming, highlighting the struggle of linear broadcast networks on the scripted side of the business. The writers strike has taken the air out of the biggest week to persuade advertisers to part with their cash and shown that without an avalanche of A-list scripted stars, the annual parade is just suits, numbers, and trailers. The absence of comedy writers punching up executive's material and the clear absence of laughs were also noticeable. Despite the omnipresence of the black, red, and white picket signs, there was little talk of the strike onstage.
