NBCUniversal streaming service Peacock kicks off for Xfinity X1 and Flex customers today, and while this is a challenging time on many levels, “We are very optimistic and encouraged with what we are seeing with advertisers that got in to work with us,” said Matt Strauss, Chairman of Peacock and NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises, on a call on Tuesday to introduce the streamer. “We do not see any degradation to the targets we laid out with our advertising sponsors.” Tal Chalozin, co-founder and CTO of Innovid, would agree. “Peacock is launching at a strong moment to capture advertising revenue,” he tells Cynopsis. “Ad supported CTV platforms are gaining share of total video ad dollars as consumers in isolation are increasingly watching CTV right now. NBC launching an ad-supported CTV service with super premium content and brand recognition will be attractive to advertisers. This is partially because Peacock has put forward a very unique focus on innovation and user experience which they can use as their differentiation in a sea of competitive streaming products. A better ad experience becomes a big selling point for viewers, hence also for marketers.”

NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, recovered from COVID-19, along with Strauss sent an email to employees about the Peacock launch. “This is a marathon and not a sprint,” the letter said in part. “While we are launching with a strong array of news and entertainment offerings, much more content will be on the platform down the road, including our original productions and many more sporting events (which are delayed in the wake of COVID-19). The product itself is in its beginning phase and will undergo continuous updates and enhancements.” While Peacock is on track to roll out nationally on July 15, Strauss said the company is “evaluating” an earlier debut.