ABC BOOSTING PRICES FOR ADS DURING OSCARS

Anticipating a resurgence of interest in this year’s Oscars given the probability that more popular blockbusters will be among the nominated movies than in recent years, ABC is reportedly raising its asking price for a 30-second spot to about $1.7 million from $1.3 million in 2010 and $1.5 million 2009, the Hollywood Reporter reported today (Thursday). In disclosing the rate hike, the Reporter noted that ratings success often is hinged to the popularity of the films nominated for best picture. “When the top movies nominated are artier films aimed at older audiences, viewership more often than not tumbles. And when the nominees for best films are blockbusters tailored for the masses, the ratings go up,” the Reporter noted.