ABC’s big pitch to advertisers at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall: Disney and its properties offer a “brand halo.” “When you bring them all together they are as unstoppable a force as The Force,” said Disney-ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney.
Sweeney also talked up the company’s WATCH ABC app, and “a more integrated, immersive, personalized experience,” saying, “When you invest in ABC you get our innovation and passion for technology.” Sweeney introduced her successor, Ben Sherwood, with the words, “I can’t wait to see you on this stage next year. Don’t forget I’m still a shareholder.”
Cast members of ABC’s new series were onstage to help pump up enthusiasm – among the shows that got the strongest audience response was comedy Black-ish.
The net’s Jimmy Kimmel didn’t disappoint with a routine that took no prisoners. Kimmel joked that with all ABC’s shows about superheroes and fairy tales, “We may be a terrible network but we’re a great birthday party for a six-year-old.” At the end of the presentation stars from ABC shows emerged, and Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet brought out a cake reminding everyone about their characters’ upcoming wedding.
