With network upfronts slated to occur in May, buyers and
planners in the pharma space will consider TV spending for the coming programming
season. Given the volatility in the market, what should the current upfront
model be for pharma?
Andy Donchin
Director, national broadcast
Carat
The upfront picture is clouded by the writers' strike.
Although we hope it ends soon, it could positively affect the upfront process.
Economic pressures have resulted in fewer pilots, but new programs could be
introduced more evenly throughout the year. Presentations could become more
focused with more attention to digital extensions and client needs. The negotiation
process will continue, but the timing may be more favorable to advertisers. But
the general erosion of ratings points—strike or not—has made every advertiser,
including pharma, think of “where else.” That's easier said than done, because
TV is still unparalleled in reach potential. Most pharma spending is against an
older audience. Network television is still a big driver, but there's also some
attractive syndication and targeted cable. We're trying to maintain what works
and tweak what could be better.
Joan Mikardos
Media director
Sanofi-Aventis
The upfront model for pharma really depends on the
individual situation of each pharma company. There are significant pros to
participate in the TV upfront, but only if it makes business sense to do so. If
your company needs complete flexibility, you just need to be aware of the
trade-offs that may need to be made with the buy (e.g., higher cost, a less
than ideal programming mix, etc.). Pharmaceutical advertisers can use other
media, like online, to efficiently “buy back” GRPs lost to scatter premiums.
Online advertising should play a greater role than it currently does for
pharma. It's highly targetable, efficient, accountable and flexible. At the end
of the day, pharmaceutical marketers need to follow a process that makes sense
for their company, not what makes sense for the networks.
Liz O'Neill
VP, media director
EvoLogue (CommonHealth Consumer Group)
The overall channel model for pharma should be based on
intersecting patients in channels that they already use and understand with
compelling, educational content. The timing of the strike could be an
opportunity for branded entertainment and other content distribution channels
that can provide a richer experience for the patient. I would be sure to participate
in the upfronts, as TV is still an important channel, and sitting out did not
prove a successful strategy in 2007/2008. Pharma should ensure access to the
limited new scripted programming that will be available due to the writers'
strike. We will likely see some tough negotiations again. A year from now, more
will be watching online and possibly even on their Google phone. As
advertisers, we need to make our content compelling and relevant to the viewing
experience of our targets.
Karen Coleman
SVP, director
Spark Communications
Pharma clients must weigh the risks and rewards. Pricing in
the short-term marketplace has been significantly higher than in years past.
While many marketers would be advised to buy as much as they can in the
upfront, the changing regulations could leave them on the hook for unused
inventory. For marketers that can switch out a product for another, moving the
majority in the long-term upfront would be advisable. For those brands that have more uncertainty, placing less
upfront is the route to take. There's less efficiency, but that is off-set by
the flexibility this option provides. Marketers need to place a value on the
media “real-estate” they want to own.
If there are category exclusivity situations, those will likely not be
available in the short-term marketplace.