LOS ANGELES — An ultra-luxurious hotel sandwiched between trendy South Pasadena and the Huntington Library in tony San Marino will play host in January 2023 to the long-awaited return of the Television Critics Tour, courtesy of the Television Critics Association (TCA).
But, the Nexstar Media Group-owned television network won’t be there. The same goes for Paramount Global’s network, and the entity headquartered in Century City.
According to Deadline, both FOX and CBS will be absent; each have virtual panels planned for December 2022 and January 2023 in lieu of an in-person presentation.
But, The CW Network, in the midst of a reinvention under Nexstar ownership, will not be involved in any way, Deadline says.
The publication, citing a TCA email, says the main reason the three networks will not be present range from production changes to lighter mid-season replacements on the schedule. Then, there are “organizational transitions” impacting TCA.
Some may interpret those “transitions” in a negative light, especially after the demise of NATPE, which is seeking to emerge from bankruptcy protection with a sale of its assets to a Canadian expo and conference entity, Brunico Communications, after the NAB failed in its bid for some of the assets.
As previously reported, NATPE canceled its reimagined January show, which had been moved to the Baha Mar Resort in Nassau, Bahamas, after ending its relationship with the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach; that relationship reportedly soured after the hotel held NATPE accountable for a 2021 event cancellation, with force majure not applicable to pre-signed contractual arrangements. In fact, the Fontainebleau now claims NATPE owes them $3.414 million and wants to put the breaks on the sale of the association’s assets.
What’s on tap for TCA in-person attendees? It’s heavy on streaming, with cable television networks getting one day of exposure, Deadline reports.
TCA 2023 schedule:
Jan. 9: Paramount+
Jan. 10: CTAM
Jan. 11: ABC/Freeform
Jan. 12: FX
Jan. 13: Disney+/DisneyBranded TV/NatGeo
Jan. 14: Hulu/Onyx Collective
Jan. 15: NBC Universal
Jan. 16, 17: PBS
Jan. 18: Apple TV+
Although no longer used in New York, Toronto, Detroit and other major cities, COVID-19 protocols will be enforced, with proof of vaccination and use of masks during the panels required by attendees.
