• by Wayne Friedman , July 14, 2016

Fox joins the CBS, ABC, CW, Turner, Viacom and some other networks, in completing its upfront negotiations.

Fox has seen its total collective upfront dollar volume rise 5% for the Fox Broadcasting Co. and its stable of cable networks -- including Fox Sports, FX Networks and National Geographic. Sources say a year ago, Fox pulled in $1.5 billion for just its broadcast network upfront deals.

Pricing for the Fox Networks Group averaged high single-digits percentages to low-double digits increases, 8.5% to 10%. That figure has been a bit below other big TV-based media companies with broadcast and cable networks.

Part of the reasoning: Fox has had the highest prime-time CPM levels for many years.

Media buyers say Fox Networks Group recorded volume and pricing gains across its broadcast, cable and digital assets, across all platforms and devices, including VOD and online video. About 75% to 80% of its advertising inventory has been sold.

Like NBC, Fox sells its respective broadcast networks along with a number of cable networks -- which analysts say means a longer process in completing upfront deals.

Since 2014, ad sales for all Fox entertainment and sports content have been consolidated under the Fox Networks Group; Fox News Channel remains separate when it comes to advertising deals.