Scripps Networks Interactive has big holiday plans this upfront.
The group is developing cross-network programming with stunts so it can sell more fourth-quarter sponsorships that take in what advertising sales president Jon Steinlauf calls “the Triple Crown of food holidays”—Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
First up is a Halloween “Spooktacular” that will involve all six Scripps Networks, according to Kathleen Finch, head of content at Scripps. She says the networks will bring talent to Las Vegas to build giant gingerbread houses. “We’re going to let the people in Las Vegas watch as we build these things and vote on which is their favorite,” she says.
Last year, HGTV aired an All-Star Gingerbread Build with the Property Brothers, Ron Ben-Israel and Duff Goldman. The special ran as a roadblock on Food Network, HGTV, DIY and Cooking Channel.
Gingerbread Build had three integrated sponsors with Sears (Caftsman and Kenmore), Kerry Butter and General Mills’ Pillsbury brand.
Scripps is still doing research to decide whether this year’s special will also be road-blocked or will air staggered across the networks, Finch says.
