Telemundo And Univision Adjust Upfront Plans After Coronavirus Disruption

“Univision: here for our community, here for our partners,” reads the digital invitation that the Spanish-language media company sent out today for a livestream “business update” on May 12, led by Steve Mandala, Univision’s president of advertising sales and marketing.

That was the original date for Univision’s 2020 upfront presentation – one that has been canceled due to COVID-19. A company spokesperson says that Mandala may reference some of the network’s programming in his presentation, but it’s definitely not an upfront. 

“We intend to hold an upfront event of some kind – when the marketplace tells us they are ready for it.”

While that happens, the “business update” presentation gives the company an opportunity to connect with its advertisers.

This Upfront was going to be particularly important for Univision, which is transitioning to new ownership and is in a fierce battle for ratings and advertisers with rival Telemundo.

Traditionally, May is the month when networks go all out to woo advertisers. In years past, Univision and Telemundo have done very splashy events with celebrities and top music performers. Marc Anthony, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias and JBalvin are just some of the stars that have performed in private concerts for upfront guests of the Spanish-language networks.

But that’s all out the window for 2020, as safety concerns shut down all large presentations and networks and their advertisers are feeling the pain of the pandemic-induced recession. 

Over the past several years, Telemundo hasn’t done its own presentations. The network’s programming has been highlighted during its parent company’s upfront.

Telemundo issued a statement indicating its “Upfront event in New York City slated for the evening of Monday, May 11 has been postponed.”

But the network’s programming slate will get a chance to shine, because NBCUniversal will televise and stream the Upfront Presentation for the 2020-21 season

“This will now allow all audiences to tune in for a sneak peek at the future of NBCUniversal’s programming including Telemundo content which will feature talent from across its multiplatform portfolio and will preview new programming announcements, trailers and more, from Entertainment to Sports to News,” reads the company statement.

Tune-in and programming details have yet to be announced, but for now, NBCUniversal has scheduled a “State of the Marketplace Conversation” video call with clients and press for May 11 at 11 am ET.