Upfronts 2014: ABC Jumps Into Programmatic Biz

ABC says it is launching a programmatic video sales effort.

Speaking at the network's upfront presentation Tuesday, Geri Wang, president of ABC Sales, said the effort was aimed at helping marketers apply data and automation in the premium video marketplace.

The trial will take place throughout the summer. ABC will work with Freewhell on the project.  ABC will be the first media company to offer premium video through FreeWheel’s new solution, called FourFronts Programmatic.

“We know how important it is to help our clients create value by making media more targeted and the transaction process more streamlined,” Wang said in a statement.  “Our track record is to lead - we did it with digital distribution and ABC Unified and we will lead in the areas of data and automation as well.”

ABC’s summer trial will include digital video ad inventory from ABC Entertainment and News programming.  Cable network ABC Family will also be participating in the trial. Linear TV inventory will not be included in the trial at this time.

The  programmatic offerings will be limited to “reserved” inventory. ABC says that  means clients will need to commit to spend levels in advance over a defined time period.  The goal is to  better execute targeting strategies and automate the transaction process.

Jon Lafayette

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.