Writers’ Strike Impacts Ad-Spending Growth on Talk Shows, Soap Operas
Streaming platforms also expected to be hurt by WGA work stoppage, MediaRadar says
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Two of the program categories most immediately impacted by the Writers Guild of America strike registered advertising-revenue growth in the first quarter before the picket lines went up and production stopped.
According to MediaRadar, ad spending on TV talk shows was $221.4 million in the first quarter, up 11% from a year ago.
Spending on soap operas was $59.4 million in the first quarter, up 23%.
MediaRadar also said that streaming platforms are being impacted by the writers’ strike. Marketers spent $352.4 million to advertise on streaming platforms in the first quarter, down 28% from a year ago.
MediaRadar also notes that movie-related events are also likely to be impacted for the strike.
Upcoming are the MTV Movie & TV Awards. A year ago, more than 100 advertisers invested $25.7 million on commercials for 160 brands.
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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.