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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryCTV, Video & AudioUpfronts

CTV, Video & Audio

Upfronts

The annual spring events and negotiation season when TV networks and streamers pitch upcoming programming and advertisers commit budgets in advance.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

The upfronts are the annual spring events and negotiation season when television networks and streaming services present upcoming programming and advertisers commit budgets in advance of the next season. Buyers secure inventory and pricing, often with audience guarantees and cancellation options, while sellers lock in a large share of their annual ad revenue.