Disney Fans Should Mark Their Calendars for May 14th!

Disney fans should mark May 14th on their calendars.

The 2024 Upfronts are upon us.

Next Tuesday will make one the Walt Disney Company’s most important days of the year: the Spring 2024 Upfront. While this event may not be super well known to those outside the entertainment industry, it arguably will give a clearer glimpse into the next year of Disney entertainment than any there.

First off, some basics. Upfronts have been a major part of the TV industry since the early 1960s – ironically, the now-Disney-owned ABC pioneered the concept in 1962 – and feature television networks presenting their upcoming fall schedule of renewed and new shows to advertisers looking to set their marketing budget for the next year. The events have traditionally taken place in May, to coincide with the traditional ratings “sweeps” period.

Long-running series like ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy will often serve as anchors for the Upfronts.

As the television industry has evolved over the years, so have the Upfronts. What were initially smaller-scale presentations, have become large-scale affairs featuring multimedia clips, celebrity hosts associated with the networks, and stars of new and returning shows making appearances to create buzz. In addition, as the traditional fall television season has shifted, the Upfront has also become a place to discuss midseason and summer programming, as well as programming on streaming services.

ESPN will play in role in the presentation as well.

Disney’s 2024 Upfront will take place on May 14th at the massive North Javits Center in New York City. The event will feature ABC late night host Jimmy Kimmel, and according to Disney, will allow the company to “highlight key priorities for its business, including its global streaming position, its leadership in data and technology innovation, its commitment to inclusion and the most scale and impact across live, sports, and entertainment.”

Jimmy Kimmel will host, as he has in the past. ©ABC

According to Disney’s President of Global Advertising Rita Ferro, this year’s Upfront will focus on Disney’s history of storytelling combined with their embrace of technology. According to Ferro, the presentation will “be a homage to the quality and storytelling that Disney is known for that differentiates us. It will also remind clients of the investments we’ve made in technology that really drive the outcomes in performance they are looking for. We have the best storytelling in the world, coupled with the innovative technology platforms that are leading the marketplace forward through our solutions-driven data insights. Some technology companies are great at technology, some are great at technology and innovation, and some are great at storytelling. At Disney, we’re great at all three – and that intersection is where both magic and winning happens.”

Rita Ferro speaking at the Tech and Data Showcase CES Las Vegas.

We’re excited to see what Disney has in store at the new Upfront, as they’ll give us a really good idea of what’s coming to the company’s broadcast networks, sports distribution, and streaming services this coming year! Stay tuned to AllEars for more coverage of the 2024 Upfront presentation.