Bravo Ad Sales Up, New Programming to Expand

Top-Chef

On the backs of soaring ratings, Bravo said ad sales are flourishing and it will continue to bulk up its original programming. The network said ad revenue grew 20%-plus in the last year, partly due to 150 new advertisers in 2010.

Bravo has labored to transform itself into a multiplatform business, Bravo Media, with apps and social media integrations. And it said digital revenue increased by 45%-plus with 50 new advertisers.

As the upfront market approaches, Bravo said it plans to increase original hours by 20%, after nearly a 25% jump last year. Returning shows include "Top Chef Desserts" and the Beverly Hills and Atlanta versions of its "Real Housewives" franchise.

The network will add 11 new series for the 2011-12 period. Many build off tropes Bravo has used for some time.

An example is "Project Soulmate," which features a New York matchmaker working on behalf of clients in a city where some say it's just not possible to meet a mate.

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Another is "Most Eligible: Dallas," about young, successful Texas friends looking for love -- or maybe not. "Some are looking for true love, while others have perfected the art of the one-night stand, and somehow their love lives have all crossed paths at one time or another," Bravo said.

"It's a Brad Brad World" (working title) will follow Bravo favorite Rachel Zoe's ex-assistant, Brad Goreski, as he embarks on his own business as a stylist.

"Mad Fashion" features celebrity fashion designer Chris March, from "Project Runway," as he creates designs for a Mardi Gras float, a costume gala and other events for clientele.

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