ANA & AAAA Set Framework For Upfront Industry Discussions.

The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) and the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA) announced the framework for an initiative they are jointly leading to address productivity and efficiency issues regarding the television upfront process.

Last month during the ANA Television Advertising Forum, ANA President and CEO Bob Liodice announced that the association would work with others to conduct a constructive dialogue about the upfront. The AAAA will partner with the ANA to co-lead this broad industry initiative called the Network Upfront Discussion Group—or “NUDG” for short.

The ANA and AAAA have invited representatives from the media, agencies, advertisers, associations, and legal counsel to attend the first “NUDG” meeting. It will be a closed-door session scheduled for April 29 in New York City.

“The ANA and the AAAA are frequently aligned in driving the ad industry forward,” said AAAA President and CEO, O. Burtch Drake. “Over the years we have collaborated in taking a proactive role in addressing issues and opportunities such as family friendly television, Ad-ID, ad taxes, spam, commercial free speech, privacy, SAG/AFTRA negotiations, and more. We believe that the upfront is an arena that requires continued collaboration and discussion with the networks.”

Initially, NUDG’s agenda will address the potential of an evening “closing bell” for the daily upfront negotiations, which traditionally linger into the late hours. The Group will also discuss the annual timing of the upfront—e.g. whether it should be moved to a different month or perhaps split into two “half-year” selling seasons.

“It is clear, through public and private member comments and via a specific ANA member survey, that there is substantial dissatisfaction and frustration with the current process,” said Liodice. “We believe that, under the boundaries established by legal counsel, the ANA and AAAA can facilitate a constructive discussion of specific issues.”

Up to two Group meetings may be scheduled prior to the start of the 2004 upfront, which begins May 17. This determination will be made during NUDG’s first meeting.

For more information at http://www.ana.net