Active conversations are occurring between the WGA and networks, said an NBCUniversal spokesperson. “These are peaceful protests. Do we see them being problematic at our upfront? No. Do we anticipate they will put guests in harm’s way? No. Will we have safety precautions? Yes, of course,” they said.
The spokesperson said the strike has impacted what celebrity talent is able to participate in NBCU’s presentation, but that talent will still be present at the event.
A source with knowledge of Disney’s presentation said, “Our priority for next week is to hold a meaningful event for our advertising partners and, as would be the case in any year, ensure the safety of our talent, staff and our guests.”
Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox have confirmed that they will have in-person presentations next week as planned.
“There will be 1,000 people protesting in front of Radio City Music Hall on Monday morning,” said one industry source. “Mark my words. Bad experience.”
‘Rookie moves’
“This is Netflix’s first jaunt in the space. Their location wasn’t ideal—a tourist location that accommodated an audience of a couple hundred,” said a source with knowledge of competitor presentations, noting the legacy TV networks are accustomed to safely hosting thousands of guests at their events.
“They’re just rookie moves left and right,” said one media buyer of Netflix’s decision, noting some of the stumbles the streamer has made in taking its ad-supported product to market over the past year.
Netflix declined Ad Age’s requests for comment.
