Upfronts 2010: CBS Close to Wrapping Upfront Sales

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CBS said June 8
that it was largely done with its upfront advertising sales.

"As
we close out the Upfront, we are pleased to once again be in the
leadership position, with rate increases and total volume commensurate
with our number one standing in the marketplace," the network said in a
statement.

Sources indicated CBS registered price gains in the
high double digits and sold close to 80 percent of its inventory.

In
last year's recession driven market, prices fell and networks held onto
inventory, betting that prices would rise once the TV season arrived. But the 2010 market has shown early signs of strength, with Fox and The CW wrapping negotiations last week. (See related: TV Upfronts Come Back Strong)

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.