Zucker: NBCU to get 3.9 billion in upfront

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NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker told analysts last week he expects NBCU's  broadcast and cable networks to score 3.9 billion in upfront revenue, about flat from last year. Zucker said that while NBC's primetime share of adults 18-49 has dropped to a 2.4 rtg. from 3.7 three years ago, the free-fall has been stopped.Zucker's presentation was held just a day after the struck a 1 billion upfront deal with Group M (6/14/07 TVBR #116).


Reportedly, the deal includes 4-5% CPM increases for NBC-TV primetime programming, and CPM increases of 7% for Bravo and 8% for USA and Sci-Fi Channel. Zucker expects to sell some 75% of the broadcast inventory in the upfront. Cable is expected to sell off 50% of its ad time.

NBCU highlighted its coverage of 2008 Olympiad, which will be held next summer in Beijing. Dick Ebersol, Chairman of NBC Sports & Olympics, said 55 to 60% of the Games will be seen live in primetime. NBCU will carry 2,600 hours of Olympic competition, spreading its coverage across the broadcast net, USA Network (and its HD simulcast), CNBC, MSNBC, Telemundo and Universal HD.